The contenders: Australia

We begin the assessment of the main contenders in alphabetical order, which means that the first squad is of the three-time defending champs. The Aussies are also, probably, the team that has been most under the hammer in recent times, much to the delight of cricket-lovers around the world. Their recent slump, atleast in the test arena, has been well-documented, but when you look at a 11-0 record in each of the last two WC's, you simply cannot argue with the pedigree of a champion side. They might have lost two Ashes series (not to mention four of their all-time greats) since the last WC, but they would simply have to be pencilled in as one of the three most likely to feature at the Wankhede in early April. And, worringly for the opposition teams, they seem to have put the Ashes defeat behind them, if their 6-1 hammering of England is any indication.

World Cup Record: Simply stunning. Played 69, Won 51 !!. And as mentioned before, the last match they lost was in the 1999 edition.

Likely XI: Watson, Haddin, Ponting, Clarke, M Hussey, D Hussey, White, M Johnson, Lee, Hauritz, Tait

Their biggest power-players are at the top of the order, and on Shane Watson rests a lot of their hopes in the knock-out games. One of the preimer all-rounders in the limited overs game, Watson has run into great form against England, and the Aussies would be hoping he carries it to the WC. Add to that his experience of playing in the IPL , which means that Watson should have no problems adjusting his game to the sub-continental conditions. But under the scanner would be their returning captain. After a lengthy rest, he might just have refreshed himself mentally and would be raring to go. And with his splendid record at the World Cup (1537 runs at average of 48), Ricky Ponting would be the player to watch. In the bowling department, probably seen as the weaker link of the unit (isnt it the case with most teams ?) the successful return of Brett Lee would have considerably boosted Aussie hopes. If he can maintain his current form and be injury-free, and if Tait and Johnson can maintain their control, the Aussies have probably one of the best bowling units of the tournament. With Johnson batting at No. 8 and Clarke, David Hussey and White contributing 12-15 overs every game, they have extremely good balance. Finally, there is the IPL factor. Most of their side has played, and excelled in, the IPL and hence would be able to master the conditions better than most (remember that the last IPL was held around the same time in India last year).

Key Games: Being in the relatively easier of the two groups means that the Aussies really need not worry too much about the group games. Their game against Sri Lanka (March 5th at the Premadasa) should decide the group topper. If the Aussies do top, they can expect probably the West Indies or Bangladesh at Mirpur on March 23, which again should be an easy game.

Final words: They might not be intimidating as at the previous two editions, but you underestimate a champion side at your own peril. If the baggy green is missing in the semi-finals, I would consider it a big upset.