Adam Gilchrist believes New Zealand could be the team to beat in the World Cup.
Gilchrist, Australia's wicketkeeper-batsman, names the Kiwis as the ones to watch, but realises this competition is wide open. "One-day cricket can often be a little bit of a lottery," he told the London-based Sport magazine. "If they remain at full strength, New Zealand will become a very difficult team to play."
Australia's odds to retain the trophy have shortened since England whitewashed them in the recent CB finals Down Under. But they are still favourites - and Gilchrist is confident that the team has made the necessary improvements to keep them as firm contenders.
"We've had to work to get ourselves into some kind of touch for the World Cup," he admitted. "People might not necessarily see the changes we make, but we're constantly working to improve. No matter how well you've done before, you can always improve."
The loss of Brett Lee through injury has been a blow to Australia's preparations, but Gilchrist is confident Nathan Bracken can fill the fast-bowling berth competently. "We'll obviously miss Brett," he said, "but I think we have the players to cope.
"Nathan has the ability to swing the new ball, but he also gets reverse swing with the old ball and he has a great yorker, which is an absolute must in one-day cricket."
| Adam Gilchrist holds on to the belief Australia can retain the World Cup |
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