With the ICC Champions Trophy round the corner and gala show of World Cup in the Caribbeans not very far away, the major contending nations are closing in their ranks so narrowly that Aussies may be very hard pressed to retain its all conquering standing. One-day cricket has really become a lottery. Kuala Lumpur is currently witnessing some of the all time great artistes of world cricket in their true elements. Little Tendulkar after a long lay off played a gem of an innings scoring his fortieth century. While carrying his bat, his innings blossomed in arrogance with flamboyance. Indian score of 309 also came under serious threat as the Caribbeans started off in their calypso brand. Great Lara was showing his prowess when rain brought premature end to a match pregnant of new dimensions.

The opening match of the tournament also demonstrated the glorious uncertainties. Australian attack appeared rusty as Chanderpaul unleashed series of powerful strokes all around with ferocity and venom. Gayle matched strokes for strokes. It appeared that the Caribbeans were cruising. Australia's 270-plus score appeared ordinary. As the Caribbeans were happily cruising Aussies bounced back and effected dramatic collapse of their opponents to win in traditional style.

The India-Australia clash was supposed to present new challenges. It was billed as extension of duet, a great encounter -- McGrath against Tendulkar, Ponting won the toss and elected to bat against a relatively young and less-on-experience Indian pace battery. It was another experiment of opening combination with Watson taking on the new cherry with young Jaques. Watson unleashed sparkling attacking strokes to wrest the initiatives. It did not matter though Jaques, Ponting and Martin went cheaply, the Australians were well on course for a run-fest. But Dravid was intelligent enough to take away the pace. Turbanated Harbhajan and cheeky Shewag chipped in with accurate spin bowling that brought Indians back in the game. Seamers in the second spell bowled with better control to restrict the Aussies below 250. A great game was on the cards. McGrath and young Johnson started very aggressively against Tendulkar and Dravid. The very first ball Tendulkar received from McGrath struck his helmet. He was unruffled. The last ball before the unfortunate rain saw Tendulkar giving him a charge and score the only boundary of the innings. Rain interfered. Although play resumed after some delay the Duckworth-Lewis put unusual pressure and the wicket became skiddy. Young Johnson created panic with his pace and swing which accounted for all Indian great guns. Indians were reeling at 35 for 5 in 8 overs when rain came to their rescue. It's a poetic justice as the Indians got the reverse in their previous game and here they got the grace.

Indian bowling however does not have the firepower to contain the free flowing stroke-makers of the opponents. But they have some very intelligent spinners who can frustrate them with accuracy and turn.

Australians are however relying on pace and swing. Emerging Johnson, Cosgrove and Jaques flew back as planned earlier. No country in cricket arena has greater depth and diversity than the Aussies have at the moment. Katich, Hayden, Ponting, Clark, Hussey, Symonds can turn up and demolish given opportunity for that.

All three teams in DLF Cup have equal chances. The team which holds nerves will win it. There is very little to choose between the teams. West Indies have Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul and Lara. Their bowling, though inexperienced, has great potential. Three teams are studded with superstars and crowd pullers. The venue itself may not have been most ideal as the wickets look under prepared. Crowd response is not encouraging too. Just think if this tournament was organised in Bangladesh it could have calmed down the political heat and dust to a great extent.

However, it is encouraging that cricket is gaining back its crowd-pleasing reputation after a rude jerk and shock after The Oval fiasco.