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May 12, 1999

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MVP of WC 99

Krishna Kaliappani

In two days from now, we will see the seventh edition of the World Cup. Unlike the previous editions, there is no clear automatic choice for the winner, although South Africa and Australia are considered as favourites.

Like what happened in the last four editions, our prediction might go wrong. But one thing we can predict is: who will be the star performers (Most Valuable Performers) in World Cup '99.

AUSTRALIA: McGrath and Bevan will be the key players for Australia. In England, definitely Bevan will play very well, he can keep the scoreboard moving and can accelerate the scoring in the end overs with ease. McGrath loves bowling in England and this May/June definitely will help him a lot to swing.

ENGLAND: Another potential contender for the World Cup, but doesn't have any star player. Hick and Gough might be the star players for England. Unlucky Hick might become the household name in England, if he can play upto his potential. Recent batting performances in Australia puts him above his batting colleagues. Gough is an automatic choice in the bowling department.

INDIA: One person who automatically selects his name for the potential stars of WC '99 is Tendulkar. But, I feel, Rahul Dravid is the one we have to look for scoring big 50s in WC '99. In the bowling department, I am sure Prasad will be the key player and can destroy any batsman under the seaming conditions.

KENYA:Underdog team, but they have a world class batsman Steve Tikolo. But unfortunately, they don't have any bowlers of international class.

NEW ZEALAND: Most of us believe that NZ is the darkhorse for the WC '99. Chris Hairrs will be the star player for this team.

PAKISTAN: Pak has too many star players but their consistency factor will be the vital question in WC '99. Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar will be their star players, undoubtedly, as they are consistent.

SOUTH AFRICA: Jaques Kallis and Pollock will be the key players, although Donald can play a vital role, but Kallis and Pollock can bat very well in England.

SRI LANKA: Aravinda De Silva and Wickramasinghe are the players to be watched for.

WEST INDIES: Two-time World Cup champions, currently recovering dramatically from the recent SA debacle. Like Tendulkar for India, Lara is the obvious choice for one of the superstars of WC '99. In the bowling department, experienced Walsh will be the key player as Ambrose can control from the other side.

ZIMBABWE: Murray Goodwin and Heath Streak can bring a victory or two for Zimbabwe.

So, there are two to three people from each country who can be called as the most valuable players for their country. These are the players who will decide the outcome of the World Cup. Some superstars, like Tendulkar, Lara, Akram, Kallis, can sometimes singlehandedly decide the fate of the results.

Let us see in two months who are the MVPs.

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