/ Editor / 22 February 2007 /

Australia's recent problems have made the tournament a much more appealing prospect than it might have been; as it now seems wide open amongst the major nations. The holders were in such dominant form at the beginning of the recent triangular series with England and New Zealand that many saw their retention of the World Cup as something of a foregone conclusion.

However, a spate of injuries and defeats has stunned the Aussies, and they will set off for the Caribbean as the second ranked team in the world, behind South Africa. The group clash between the two, at St Kitts on March 24, is one that both sides will identify as a match to state their intentions.

The transformation in Australia's fortunes is as surprising as it has been sudden. Their victory over the Black Caps at Perth on January 28 was their 10th in succession and their 16th in 18 completed One-Day Internationals, a run that included a regulation win in the Champions Trophy. Since then they have lost six from seven and will face Scotland in their tournament opener on the back of a five-match losing streak.

The Aussie confidence that was so apparent a few weeks ago - coach John Buchanan publicly queried whether any team was capable of testing his outfit - has given way to doubt and soul-searching.

Stand-in skipper Mike Hussey admitted that his team were demoralised by their Kiwi humiliation and despite protestations that they will hit the ground running in the West Indies; cracks are certainly starting to appear in the Australian team.

New Zealand constructed the second and third highest successful run chases on their way to winning the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, and it is the Aussie bowling that suddenly looks weak. Despite having three bowlers in the top 10 of the world rankings, concerns have been raised about the bowling unit as a whole.

Australia's opponents have scored at least 250 in six of the last eight matches; the other two saw England post 246 and New Zealand race to 149 to record a 10-wicket victory. Nathan Bracken, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath are a threatening trio with the new ball, but the support bowling has been found wanting, especially in the spin department.

Andrew Symonds, Cameron White, Brad Hogg and Michael Clarke took 12 wickets between them in the Commonwealth Bank Series, at an average of 46.25, and whilst the Aussies have learned to win in ODIs without Shane Warne, their lack of a quality spinner might cause them problems at the World Cup.

Symonds is a crucial player in the Baggy Green line-up and his bicep injury has rocked the Aussie preparations. The ODI player of the year in 2005 provides much-needed balance, as he scores his runs at an average of 38.81 and a strike rate of 92.04, and takes his wickets at 37.38, at an economy rate of 4.97.

He is also an imposing presence as cover fielder and his absence from the initial part of the tournament will be keenly felt, as Australia have struggled to balance the team without him. Fellow all rounder Shane Watson has himself only just returned from injury and has struggled with the ball, taking six wickets at 45.17 in his five matches back in the side.

Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden also face a race to be fit for the World Cup after suffering respective ankle and toe injuries in New Zealand. Both featured in the 2003 World Cup win and both were in good form before their injuries struck: Hayden's unbeaten 181 at Hamilton was an Australian record and Lee had claimed 12 wickets in his last seven appearances.

The holders were also without Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Clarke for the New Zealand trip, but all three are sure to feature in the West Indies. Clarke's hip problem is expected to clear and Ponting will pick up the captain's reins after being rested. Gilchrist will join the touring party after the birth of his child.

The Aussies will be particularly glad to have Ponting back in the team, as he is in the form of his career at the moment. Eight innings in the Commonwealth Bank Series yielded 445 runs, three half centuries and two tons. His unbeaten 140 in the 2003 final secured the trophy for Australia and punters are sure to find 'punter' attractive in the World Cup top runscorer's market. He currently trades at 8.6.

This World Cup is the longest ever, lasting a month and a half, and whilst Australia have lost momentum going into it, they have plenty of time to recover in time for the latter stages. However, all matches are important, as points gained in the group stage are carried forward to the super eight stage.

The Aussies' clash with the Proteas is therefore likely to be crucial, and the Australians are sure to remind their fierce rivals of their last World Cup meeting, at Edgbaston in 1999. That semi-final tie, which saw the South Africans throw away a winning position, also acts as reminder that Australia rarely choke in the big games, regardless of their form beforehand.

Australia lost three ODIs in the West Indies in preparation for that tournament and also went on to lose two of their first three group games. However, after squeezing past South Africa in the semi-finals, they routed Pakistan in the final by eight wickets.

Despite their recent problems Australia go into this World Cup as the favourites, trading at 3.35 to win their third consecutive world crown. They have won 40 of the 58 matches played in World Cups and are seeking to continue a World Cup record of 12 consecutive wins, dating back to that 1999 tournament in England.

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