South Africa does have a good reason to panic. And their histrionics on the pitch are only going to make things worse for them. They came to the Caribbean having just been ranked No. 1 in the world and beaten India and Pakistan convincingly in the preceding series. But the first warm-up game exposed some of the chinks in the batting when away from the comfort of home. Although SA did manage to win that game, there was no such respite in the second match. Pakistan was not going to make a meal of a target of 200 and they won by seven wickets. But that’s not important, is it?

It’s the SA attitude. They are starting to blame everything and everyone but themselves. In fact, they even went to the extent of stopping play to complain about the pitch. Well, they can’t do that once the tournament starts. They can’t continue to whine and cry like this. If it’s a bad pitch, it’s bad for both teams (mostly!). To make matter worse, the Pakistan batsmen handled the pitch rather well. So it’s safe to say that SA need to hit the panic button!

India, on the other hand, gave the West Indies quite a thrashing. Munaf Patel showed why he is so highly regarded with his measly figures of 4 for 10 in 6 overs. Irfan Patan got three wickets, but he never looked like the threatening Pathan who would curve the ball uncomfortably for batsmen. The only time he did show some control and skill was when he had Marlon Samuels leg before wicket. To be fair, he did fox Lara with a well-disguised slower one, but he still doesn’t look convincing. Virender Sehwag continued along his merry ways and one can’t help but feel that he thinks he won’t be dropped from the team. Ever. On current form, he should not be in the playing XI next week.

Australia was adequately dominating over England who has to think rather hard as to what exactly they were doing out there. From 2/112, they collapsed to 197 all out. The good news is Michael Vaughan is back in form and Ian Bell looks like he can bat again. The bad news is none of the others thought much of making the most of this opportunity and threw away their wickets. Shaun Tait did the damage for Australia picking up 4/33, but he still conceded far too many in the context of the game. Australia’s final margin of victory was five wickets, but it should have been much bigger. Another irresponsible batting display from the middle order cost them valuable practice before the big match.

Sri Lanka must be wondering what in god’s name has gone wrong with their team. Sure they lost by just 18 runs and Upul Tharanga scored a fine 106, but the bowling conceded far too many to a team that had just been beaten by Bangladesh! Sri Lanka has serious problems in the batting department too especially with captain Mahela Jayawardene. Maybe he should drop himself down the order… and though Sanath Jayasuriya was missing, Sri Lanka did not look like a side that could have won.

The practice matches are now out of the way and the real action starts in just three days. South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies would be in turmoil. Not sure if England cares; after all, this is not the Ashes! Australia, India and Pakistan look the most sorted and settled of all the teams… is there a title winner in the three?