Changes

== How the World Cup works ==

== How the World Cup works ==

Nevertheless, the World Cup is often perceived as a momentous occasion, despite its somewhat inexplicable unpopularity in the USA and non-[[Commonwealth Nations]]. Theories have been put forward that the slow pace of the game and the lack of Britain's influence during the rapid augmentation in America's strength and military might during the 20th Century may be factors. The World Cup is also clearly a catalyst to the rise of many players, such as the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya and Ed "Spud" Joyce, as well as the wicket-keeper Matthew Thomlinson, reputedly the greatest batsmen in the world. Furthermore, more infamous characters, such as Azeem Raza Sheikh, front-line pace bowler for the Pakistan Cricket Team, has been known for his sledging and cutting jokes. Ayaz Hussain, Bowling Coach and legendary ex-spinner for Pakistan, nonetheless supports Sheikh for his immense contributions to the game. Sri Lankan bowler Sanjeev Ramachandran has also proved himself as a major sportsman, despite various opposition from Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan

Nevertheless, the World Cup is often perceived as a momentous occasion, despite its somewhat inexplicable unpopularity in the USA and non-[[Commonwealth Nations]]. Theories have been put forward that the slow pace of the game and the lack of Britain's influence during the rapid augmentation in America's strength and military might during the 20th Century may be factors. The World Cup is also clearly a catalyst to the rise of many players, such as the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya and Ed "Spud" Joyce, as well as the wicket-keeper Matthew Thomlinson, reputedly the greatest batsmen in the world. Furthermore, more infamous characters, such as Azeem Raza Sheikh, front-line pace bowler for the Pakistan Cricket Team, has been known for his sledging and cutting jokes. Ayaz Hussain, Bowling Coach and legendary ex-spinner for Pakistan, nonetheless supports Sheikh for his immense contributions to the game.

The rules employed in the World Cup are similar to those of the regular rules of cricket ("The Laws

The rules employed in the World Cup are similar to those of the regular rules of cricket ("The Laws

1999: Sri Lanka. Pt-Sanath Jayasuriya,

1999: Sri Lanka. Pt-Sanath Jayasuriya,

2003: England. Pt-Matthew Thomlinson,

2003: England. Pt-Matthew Thomlinson,

2007: England. Pt- S Ramachandran

2007: England.

== Historic Occasions in Previous World Cups ==

== Historic Occasions in Previous World Cups ==

'''1975:''' Sri Lanka storm through the tournament to win the first ever World Cup. Ed Joyce breaks a world record to score the first ever 150 in the game, with 5 "home runs" '''1979:''' James Cormack, captain of the Scotland Cricket Team, end up with brilliant figures of 7-15 in 10 overs as well as a batting score of 75* (the first ever batsman to do so), leading to an unprecendented 7-wicket victory over West Indies '''1983:''' Umpire Publius Sextus Quintus Fell entered a controversial race row in an India vs South Africa match, in which Fell allegedly no-balled leg-spinner Ramachandran repeatedly on the ground of "smelling like curry" and for "chucking".This was never proven. He was also accused of muttering swear words in Africaans during the match. '''1992:''' Sheikh picks up a five-wicket haul in the finals against England to take the Cup. '''1996:''' Jayasuirya, George Chamberlain and Dave "The Rave" Twyman all score huge centuries in the Cup, making it the most exciting tournament since its inaugaration in 1975. After the Sri Lankan victory, Sanjeev Ramachandran is later caught up in a scandle reportedly resulting from his rather lavish celebrations. The public exposure trial continues. '''1999:''' Possibly one of the most controversial tournaments ever, held in Britain.South African paceman and gossip James "Watty" Watts was suspended and subsequently expelled from the Cup after allegations of drug-taking and bullying Avi Mayorcas after the latter's stunning catch to dismiss Watts in a super sixes game. His position was deemed "unteneble" by many in the cricketing World. Luke Watson, Australian batsman, is later banned for life after a long, abusive discussion with Sanjeev Ramachandran about the underlining of Latin words and, after an drawn out enquiry into his pronunciation of Tuesday,is caught threatening Matthew Thomlinson with death if he were to "mention cricket ever again". Matthew Thomlinson skies the ball out of the ground against Sri Lanka,much to the displeasure of ballkeeper W.N. Bailey. Harish Venkatesh later manages to inconceivably lose his bat in India's thrashing by Scotland in which James Cormacks unbeaten 94 led to a shock win,  causing Bailey to impose an impromptu ban on cricket being played in the notorious Hampton Stadium (affectionately known as the "Cauldron" by its die hard supporters)

'''1975:''' Sri Lanka storm through the tournament to win the first ever World Cup. Ed Joyce breaks a world record to score the first ever 150 in the game, with 5 "home runs" '''1979:''' James Cormack, captain of the Scotland Cricket Team, end up with brilliant figures of 7-15 in 10 overs as well as a batting score of 75* (the first ever batsman to do so), leading to an unprecendented 7-wicket victory over West Indies '''1983:''' Umpire Publius Sextus Quintus Fell entered a controversial race row in an India vs South Africa match, in which Fell allegedly no-balled leg-spinner Ramachandran repeatedly on the ground of "smelling like curry" and for "chucking". He was also accused of muttering swear words in Africaans during the match. '''1992:''' Sheikh picks up a five-wicket haul in the finals against England to take the Cup. '''1996:''' Jayasuirya, George Chamberlain and Dave "The Rave" Twymann all score huge centuries in the Cup, making it the most exciting tournament since its inaugaration in 1975. '''1999:''' James "Watty" Watts was suspended and subsequently expelled from the Cup after allegations of drug-taking and bullying Avi Mayorcas after the latter's stunning catch to dismiss Watts. '''2003:''' Thomlinson scores a crushing double century in just 120 deliveries to take the Cup in the finals against Sri Lanka. Michael Craddock hits 7 "home runs" (a new record) against New Zealand, but was also accused of singing too much by angry Kiwi supporters. '''2007:''' Sanghon Kim captains the Korean side and leads them to a shock victory over Australia by a narrow margin of 2   

'''2003:''' Thomlinson fights back heroically,scoring a crushing double century in just 120 deliveries to take the Cup in the finals against Sri Lanka, a side depleted with the absence of Ramachandran, mentally scarred by his argument with Watson four years previously. Michael Craddock hits 7 "home runs" (a new record) against New Zealand, but was also accused of singing too much by angry Kiwi supporters. '''2007:''' Sanghon Kim captains the Korean side and leads them to a shock victory over Australia by a narrow margin of 2   

runs, in which Kim achieved bowling figures of 2-8 and scored 56. Jack Owen scores a mesmerising 152* off just 99 balls to gain a 9 wicket victory over Austalia in the finals; England consequently take the cup after surpassing Australia's score of 322-7 in 45.4 overs

runs, in which Kim achieved bowling figures of 2-8 and scored 56. Jack Owen scores a mesmerising 152* off just 99 balls to gain a 9 wicket victory over Austalia in the finals; England consequently take the cup after surpassing Australia's score of 322-7 in 45.4 overs