Aussies r tops said:
Couldnt agree more. And theres also the small matter that Australia have also recently held the 2000 Olympics...
Here are some other points why I think that Australia and New Zealand should be chosen to host the 2011 World Cup:
1. If it was to be held in the subcontinent, there is a likelyhood that games such as India-Pakistan would have to be held other coutries, and the rivals wouldnt get to be able to battle it out in front of their own fans.
2. The pitches, grounds and facitlities in Aus & NZ are much better than in the subcontinent. As for the pitches, we only have to look at the recent India vs. Pakistan test match to judge that. Whilst it was marrer by rain, there was the ridiculous situation where there was almost 1200 runs for the loss of just 7 wickets, and Sehwag was allowed to score 250 at over a run a ball. It was a great performance by him, but the situation is still beyond belief.
3. To add to that, many of the grounds that are in country areas or not in the main cities are still of better quality than in the subcontinent. It would be great to use these sorts of facilities for smaller games and maybe the odd important match.
Counter arguments from me
1. Why so? The rivalry btw India and Pakistan is not as it was before! The rivalry has toned down with more focus on cricket! I am sure India can play Pakistan in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore or in some places of pakistan like Peshawar, Rawalpindi, etc
2. Ha Ha! Comparing a test wicket to a one day wicket? What is a one day wicket all about? A score of 280-300 for both sides with the side that puts the most pressure or that absorbs the most pressure wins! We have seen numerous games in the sub continent end up that way! One day cricket in the sub continent is always the most entertaining!
3. Since Asia is going for a joint bid, we have India, Pakistan, Sri lanka and Bangladesh. We have numerous grounds with good facilities. Some for instance:
India : Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Mohali
Pakistan : Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar (sorry, dont know much of others!)
Sri Lanka : SSC, Premadasa
Bangladesh : Dhaka
They are many more stadiums (the above ones are only those which I get to my mind!). Regarding facilities, I think facilities is of medium importance! Most of the stadiums in Asia have more than required facilities with some stadiums have very good facilities!