And another one’s gone, another one’s gone, another bites the bust.  Hey!  It never ceases to amaze me how cricket imitates rock music.  New Zealand has beaten England in the ICC Champs Trophy and that means it is curtains for Sri Lanka.

Australia plays Pakistan tonight and that will decide the fate of Australia and India.  If Australia wins, or there is a wash out, India is out.  Either way one of the top four seeds with depart from Group A.  In Group B, the 2nd seed has gone (South Africa).  While New Zealand was actually seeded 3rd (go figure) and Sri Lanka 6th, most would have fancied that Sri Lanka and South Africa would progress to the semis.  The exact opposite has occurred.

If ever there was a one day tournament that needed a stewards enquiry, it is the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy.  It is obvious that Australia will beat Pakistan – Pakistan can put a heap of cash on Australia winning and have the bonus of seeing India crash out.

For those of you who would like a little detail, here is some.  England proved that their six match losing streak against Australia was no fluke and were skittled for just 146.   Please know that Shane Bond has returned and picked up 3/21 but the star was all rounder, Grant Elliot, with 4/31.

For England, Chris Broad has stood out in the tournament. Four more wickets last night means he has 10 for the tournament at an average of 15.50 and economy of 5.5 rpo.

For the Aussies, Michael Clarke has followed in Brackens footsteps.  No, he hasn’t decided to bat left handed.  He has gone home.  If Australia qualifies for the semis, Clarke will be replaced.