Ricky Ponting has been the captain of this tournament. If he maintains this form, he will be the man lifting the trophy on March 23. Tactically, he has been superior to any rival; his selections have been justified by events and his team is sustaining its effort through the hottest days. Pakistan lasted about as long as the Maginot line. Ponting has shown only one fault, an inability to convince his players that conduct counts.
Ponting showed his strengths in Johannesburg by leading a fightback after early wickets had fallen. He had much on his mind as he took guard, not least the loss of his friend, Shane Warne, whose departure weakened the attack. Michael Bevan and Darren Lehmann were also missing, which made the loss of early wickets even more alarming. Far from panicking, the Tasmanian played his own game, regaining the initiative with some typically crisp strokes. Australians protect the initiative like vestals protect their virginity. Pakistan was pushed back and soon resorted to doomed and defensive tactics calculated to hasten the over-rate.
Watching the Australians run on to the field was to know that victory was in the bag. Ponting dashed out, paused, and gathered his players amidst much backslapping and activities described by younger writers as high-fives. Perhaps the Australians had been aroused by the disgraceful beamers sent down by the opposing captain, dark deliveries demanding a much stiffer penalty. Ponting's men played noisily, aggressively and confidently. After all, a team is as strong as its weakest link and his name is, or was, Andrew Symonds. Ponting has been the Queenslander's main supporter and his faith was rewarded. Admittedly, Symonds was helped by the caution of his opponents. Pessimists cannot beat Australia.
Waqar had a rotten match and is barely worth his place in the side. He chose the wrong team and stopped attacking much too early. Australia must be kicked when it is down, preferably with steel-tipped boots because these fellows have a nasty habit of standing up and returning fire with interest. Saqlain must play and Waqar must consider his position. Notwithstanding Pakistan's mercurial qualities, it is hard to see them reaching the semi-finals.
Stephen Fleming was not his usual self in Bloemfontein. Incredibly, New Zealand omitted its best spinner on a traditionally slow pitch. Daniel Vettori may look like Harry Potter but he can bowl and is a fine competitor. Unable to change the pace of his bowling, Fleming lost control of the match. Nor was he quick enough to abandon the strategy of packing the off-side field for Sanath Jayasuriya and aiming at his off-stump. The Kiwis use this tactic to contain Damien Martyn who is likewise productive through point. But Jaya hits the ball a lot harder than the man from the Northern Territory where, as has been recorded, everyone goes around wrestling with crocodiles. When the Sri Lankan hits the ball, it sounds like a crack from a rifle. Fleming persisted and the boundary boards suffered. Now this serene leader must restore confidence in a team whose hopes have been high.
Shaun Pollock is still finding his feet as a captain. His task is not easy because of all the complications, including the immaturity of his players, the construction of the squad, and the absence of Jacques Rudolph. Percy Sonn is redhot on England but not so noisy about the treatment of this promising cricketer or, for that matter, the ndebele. Pollock has not mastered the art of attack and retreat. Rather than responding to the moment, he tends to work in patterns. South Africa started well against the West Indians and Pollock must have considered allowing Ntini to complete his overs by way of maintaining the pressure. Perhaps, his instincts pushed him in this direction and he lacked the confidence to follow them.
Pollock did not seek the captaincy but it fell upon him and his country relies upon him to carry it through this challenging period. Greatness awaits him. He could learn something from Ponting, whose mind is always ticking over. Ponting does not allow figures to define him nor does he hesitate, like Hamlet, wondering whether to murder his uncle or else merely change the bowling.
Jayasuriya has played well since the year began and is a fine man with strong principles. Ganguly has his first real test at Centurion and remains a mixed blessing. Ganguly can be a goose but he is not easily pushed around and his team played with spirit before losing its way in New Zealand. Nasser Hussain has not taken to the field as the English continue their lamentable posturing.
Carl Hooper was the only other contender as captain of the week after nervelessly guiding his team to victory over his hosts. His conversation with Vasbert Drakes during that epic last over contained more arm-waving than can be expected from an excitable Italian conductor in the latter stages of a lively movement. Hooper kept calm and his team prevailed. After years of struggle, the West Indian is at last fulfilling his abilities. No one could tell what was holding him back. Now it is clear that he needed to be captain. Now Pollock must find the need or give way.