Who Are These Guys?

What a treat it is to follow international cricket, especially England cricket. Just when you think England cricket has mastered the art of the collapse, they do something brilliant!

A week ago it looked like England would leave Australia with 10 losses and no wins against their hosts. Now they're winners of 3 matches in a row - 2 against the hosts - and are one win away from taking home the trophy for the CB tri-series of ODI's.

Even with all the hope England, still the worl's #2 test cricket side, had for retaining the Ashes, no one thought their ODI side - #8 in the world at the start of this year (they just moved up to #7) - would accomplish much in the one-day part of their tour against even #4 (now dropped to #6) New Zealand, let alone the overwhelming world #1 Aussies, hot off their first ever ICC Champions win and gearing up for a World Cup which seemed all but awarded to them already. The idea of the England team, having faced a demoralizing series of beatings, could win an ODI series against the overwhelming World Cup favorites on their home soil was unthinkable just a week ago. Now it seems almost probable. We'll see what happens - there are probably more twists and turns to come.

Now I have to say that the World Cup looks to be in play. It all depends on which Australia team shows up (the dominators or the team that played okay but looked human today), and likewise which England team, which Pakistan team, which Sri Lanka team, which India team, which West Indies team, etc.

It seems England has already moved up a spot to #7, and New Zealand has dropped two spots to #6.