With the strength of Australia receding considerably, the forthcoming cricket
World Cup is going to a closely-fought one, said Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.
While talking to newsmen Inzamam said, "Any of the top
five or six teams can win this World Cup. I think it will be one of the most
evenly and closely-contested World Cup ever."
He said though Australia's recent defeats would have come as a morale-booster
for some of the title contenders, one should not take the defending champions
for granted.
"I don't think five defeats in a row means you can write-off Australia.
Five matches are nothing when you consider they have been winning for so long.
But yes, their defeats mean that they don't have that invincible aura about
them any longer. And Brett Lee's injury is also a setback for
them," Inzamam added.
Australia recently were outclassed 3-0 in a one-day series
in New Zealand and were earlier beaten by England in the tri-series
final at home.
Champions in the last two World Cups, Australia have lost six
of their last seven matches.
The 36-year old Pakistan skipper, who will be appearing in
his fifth World Cup, said he remained hopeful about Pakistan's chances despite
their recent poor form.
"Quality never dies and we have a lot of quality players. We have been
winning matches in the past with this same combination. It is just a matter
of everyone clicking together," he added.
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