There have been negative build-up leading up to this Champions Trophy. BCCI had threatened not to play. The financial spat between Australian players and board is taking an ugly shape. Plus Manchester terrorism have raised the question of players and spectators security. Albeit, Champions Trophy 2017 will be held unabated and will be key in determining ODI cricket future. There are many questions which may/will find their respective answers during upcoming edition to be organised in England. Where is cricket heading? Is ODI cricket fast becoming an extended version of T-20? Is there room for traditional finger spinners? What about pitches? And much more.
The Eight teams have been finalised and are contrasting in their own ways. Australia squad arouses a lot of intrigue. They have backed Lynn's audacity over Bailey's tenacity. Aaron Finch and Maxwell, both of which were not part of Australian squad - last year at different times - have also found place. Herein, crux point is barring Steven Smith all player are enforcers not accumulators, which can work against them if ball moves - either swing or spin. As always there bowling unit looks A-class, led by Mitchell Starc. Josh Hazlewood and John Hasting line-length will suit English conditions; Cummings and Pattinson will add pace.
In modern sport, there is a strong believe that the country which hosts a tournament are one of favorites to win owing to better understanding and familiarity of conditions. Will this be England's year? For first time it appears as if England have a team that are capable of lifting an ICC trophy in shorter format. After trauma of 2015 World Cup debacle, English side led by Eoin Morgan have reignited and are paying ODI cricket its dues. They are playing the game's shorter format as it should be. Eoin Morgan style of leadership have helped there cause and exposure to T20 leagues have made their players dynamic and pragmatic. The one thing that can work against England is the similarity of batting gear in which all there players bat. But going into Champions Trophy they are one of teams to watch.
And then, there is a mysterious case of South Africa, who almost every time enter into a tournament as strong contenders but fails to live upto the expectations. This time also, a lot is ridding on their shoulders. They are ranked number 1, they have formidable batting line consisting of two stalwarts in AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla and they have the best spinner in the world - Imran Tahir. While South Africa performs underwhelmingly in knockout tournaments, New Zealand finds a way to raise the level of their game. There bowling attack is well accomplished, though batting line-up is fragile and prone to collapses. New Zealand's attitude, self-confidence and agility in the field makes them a likable team.
On one side teams are backing youngsters to come good, on other India have gone back to Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik - one of these two will form core Indian middle order. This is confounding because currently India have quality youngsters in abundance. On paper, India's fast bowling looks better than their batting - which is quite weird and ironic. Along with South Africa and Australia, India have a versatile fast bowling department which can pose arduous question to opponents. Picking an extra batsman and five fast bowlers meant that India are a spinner short.
Pakistan's unpredictability will further make Champions Trophy an engrossing tournament. On their day Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can challenge any team but are not real contenders.
At a time, where ODI's are losing its relevance due to ever increasing T20 leagues, this Champions Trophy will provide an insight into one-day internationals future.
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