Relative Genius

I think I was a bit too cynical and dismissive the other day when I described the World Cup as a 'disaster'. It's been a disappointment, yes, but there's still time for it to redeem itself.

Bangladesh's win over South Africa set the ball rolling very nicely yesterday, confirming the progress which Dav Whatmore's team are finally making and bringing England and West Indies back towards contention for the semi-finals.

Bangladesh have hit upon a nice blend of the solid experience of Habibul Bashar, Javed Omar and Mohammad Rafique and the vigorous seam bowling of Mashrafe Mortaza, the impudence of Mushfiqur Rahim, the hitting of Aftab Ahmed and the relative genius of Mohammad Ashraful. Their fielding's not bad either, and would put that of India and Pakistan to shame.

It's Easter Sunday and the weather in England is beautiful. I'm going out walking today but I'll take a radio to keep in touch with today's game between Australia and England. If England can pick up where they left off against Sri Lanka and draw on the confidence which their frequent wins over Australia at the end of the CB Series gave them they've got a chance. One's suspicion, though, is that Australia are now just playing too well.