World Cup 2011 - Trivia

Interesting stuff about the World Cup that does not get much attention in the information overload

• Not many know that there is a leg-spinner in their ranks who almost played for India! W.D. Balaji Rao was in the prospect-list much before Piyush Chawla but looks like India's loss is Canada's gain.
• Andy Bichel and Gary Gilmour. Two interesting names with respect to the World Cup. Not-so-great careers for their country but great all-round performances for their country in crunch games. Check out Bichel's performance in 2003 World Cup against England and New Zealand
• When was the last match Australia lost in a World Cup? Way back in 1999 when they lost to Pakistan and before that, to New Zealand in the same edition. They are undefeated so far. They face both teams in their Group stage this time.
• Who took the most number of wickets in 1999? New Zealand's Geoff Allott - again a performer who shone at the World stage only to fade away later.
• Indian players almost did not play in the 2003 edition because of sponsorship issues. They faced a similar situation in this Cup as well but not much is heard of again.
• Shane Warne played his last Cup in 1999 even though he was playing test cricket till 2006. Why? He was banned in 2003 for failing a drug-test.
• In 2007, India were out of the competition after the first round but they won a game by dismissing a team within 30 overs and chasing down the paltry score. Who was their opposition? West Indies. Yes, in the 2nd warm-up match, Brian Lara-led Caribbeans were all out for 85. Did this match make them complacent against Bangladesh? This time, they face much tougher oppositions - Australia and New Zealand.

Any other interesting stuff you remember? Do let me know.