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GROUP A
AUSTRALIA
Defending champions, but they lack the aura of yesteryear. Mike Hussey's comments recently that they have become a "working class team" probably sums up their new way of thinking. South Africa won seven out of 10 matches against them last summer, inflicting significant psychological damage along the way. Opponents won't fear them, and how they adapt to that will be interesting. Nevertheless they remain Australia and with players like Ponting, Clarke and Johnson in the group they will be significant challengers. Watson, a one-time wannabe all-rounder but latterly changed into an opener will be an important player at the top of the order, who has to provide some kind of initial protection to a potent middle-order. Callum Ferguson is a young player worth watching, quick between the wickets, while his fielding is electric.
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Prospects: Semifinalists
Key Player: Ponting. Escaped too much harsh criticism for losing the Ashes for the second time. The realisation that there isn't anyone better to lead Australia at the moment probably saved him as did the fact that he remains their best batsman. If he does fire with the bat as he showed in the fifth ODI against the English this week, he could inspire his team to a deep run in the tournament.
INDIA
The modern game's glamour side, and the fervour for the sport in that country affords the players demigod status. They've grown into their status as cricket's richest nation and now play with a swagger that was missing even in the days when Kapil Dev led them to World Cup success in 1983. The Indian Premier League has unveiled a host of young stars who are being melded into the team. Raina, Mishra and Yusuf Pathan are the foremost among those. It is the batting that is the most potent part of their team's make-up.
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