Sachin Tendulkar: Playing in his sixth World Cup, the proprietor of just about every batting record going is lacking only in one thing – a World Cup winner's medal. The 37 year-old reached the final in 2003 where he was upstaged by centurion Ponting, as India were beaten by Australia in South Africa. Despite his hunger for runs showing little sign of abating, more than 20 years of international cricket will have taken its toll on the Little Master, and another World Cup may be an innings too far.
Jacques Kallis: Like Tendulkar, Kallis still possesses a greedy thirst for runs. And he is still bowling at a decent pace well into his 36th year. But he shares another likeness with Tendulkar – this time unwanted – in that he is without a World Cup winner's medal, even though this being his fifth tournament. The pillar of South Africa's batting will be hoping to add silverware to his collection of more than 11,000 ODI runs before it is too late.
Muttiah Muralitharan: Unlike the other ageing stars at this World Cup, Muralitharan has already announced that his international profession will end after the tournament. The only member of Sri Lanka's 1996 winning side still playing, he remains a strong threat with his magical array of off-breaks, top-spinners and the doosra. Likely to be smiling whether Sri Lanka win or not, Muralitharan, 38, will be spinning the ball hard right on until his final release in his fifth and last World Cup.
Shoaib Akhtar: The career of the Rawalpindi Express Shoaip Akhtar has rarely stayed on track for more than a few months at a time, so it comes as a surprise to see the 35 year-old blistering in, all bulging eyes and pumping thighs, once more. This is Akhtar's last chance to prove his talent as the most destructive fast-bowler in the world. The searing pace and toe-crushing yorkers are still famous, but time is working against the Pakistani and he will be hoping to remain fit as long as his country are still involved.
Going quietly ...
Steve Tikolo: Approaching his 40th birthday, Tikolo retired in February but was convinced to give it one last go on the biggest stage with Kenya. The mainstay of his side's batting since his debut in 1996, he has played in every one of their World Cup matches since. Unlikely to make it a farewell to remember.
John Davison: Struck what was then the fastest World Cup century (off 67 balls) against the WI (West Indies) in 2003, the 40 year-old is trying to achieve similar fireworks this time around. The best player in Canada's history, Davison is the oldest player in the contest and will want to rip up the record books again before his time is up.
Jacques Kallis: Like Tendulkar, Kallis still possesses a greedy thirst for runs. And he is still bowling at a decent pace well into his 36th year. But he shares another likeness with Tendulkar – this time unwanted – in that he is without a World Cup winner's medal, even though this being his fifth tournament. The pillar of South Africa's batting will be hoping to add silverware to his collection of more than 11,000 ODI runs before it is too late.
Muttiah Muralitharan: Unlike the other ageing stars at this World Cup, Muralitharan has already announced that his international profession will end after the tournament. The only member of Sri Lanka's 1996 winning side still playing, he remains a strong threat with his magical array of off-breaks, top-spinners and the doosra. Likely to be smiling whether Sri Lanka win or not, Muralitharan, 38, will be spinning the ball hard right on until his final release in his fifth and last World Cup.
Shoaib Akhtar: The career of the Rawalpindi Express Shoaip Akhtar has rarely stayed on track for more than a few months at a time, so it comes as a surprise to see the 35 year-old blistering in, all bulging eyes and pumping thighs, once more. This is Akhtar's last chance to prove his talent as the most destructive fast-bowler in the world. The searing pace and toe-crushing yorkers are still famous, but time is working against the Pakistani and he will be hoping to remain fit as long as his country are still involved.
Going quietly ...
Steve Tikolo: Approaching his 40th birthday, Tikolo retired in February but was convinced to give it one last go on the biggest stage with Kenya. The mainstay of his side's batting since his debut in 1996, he has played in every one of their World Cup matches since. Unlikely to make it a farewell to remember.
John Davison: Struck what was then the fastest World Cup century (off 67 balls) against the WI (West Indies) in 2003, the 40 year-old is trying to achieve similar fireworks this time around. The best player in Canada's history, Davison is the oldest player in the contest and will want to rip up the record books again before his time is up.
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