Pakistani bowler Mohammad Irfan, right, is the tallest bowler in history to play international cricket, at 7 foot 1. His height, together with his speed and bounce, wreaks havoc on opposition batsmen.AAMIR QURESHI/AFP / Getty Images
Fourteen countries have tinkered for years with lineups and possible scenarios in preparation for the World Cup. The only other time the event was held in Australia and New Zealand, in 1992, the former international playboy and current politician, Imran Khan, led the young and talented Pakistan team to a dramatic win over England.
Hair styles, open-collared shirts and bell bottoms aside, the World Cup has long guaranteed historic memories and dramatic, timeless matches.
I was born and raised in Canada, in Ajax and Thornhill, Ont. I played hockey. I know about Stompin' Tom Connors. I drink Labatt 50 every so often. I've represented Canada since 1996, toured the world and played the previous World Cup in 2011. And I've heard the clichés about cricket in Canada. Cricket is more Canadian than you think. Those early hockey goalie pads from 1893 were actually cricket leg guards. You're welcome, Johnny Bower.
Now that we've established common ground, here's the napkin version of cricket, along with the rough baseball equivalent to help along the way: Two teams of 11 players each; Team A has 300 deliveries (pitches) or 10 outs to score as many runs as they can, while Team B tries to keep the score as low as possible. After the 300 pitches or 10 outs, whichever occurs first, the teams swap and Team B has 300 deliveries to get the score or they lose.
Think of it as a one-inning baseball game and instead of three outs, you have 10 but nobody gets to hit again. Each team's batter has one chance (out) each, which translates to 10 outs for the entire team (one player remains as there are 11 and you can't bat alone).
The fielding-team bowler (pitcher) can only bowl a maximum of 60 deliveries out of the 300, although they can go in and out at any time. Anyone can bowl but as in baseball, you have your specialists depending on various stages of the game.
In the field of play there are 11 fielders and two batsmen at a time (one batsman hits at a time, but they run together). That would get you one run. If they crossed again and the initial hitter returned to "home plate," that would be two runs and so on.
In addition to running runs, a hitter can also hit the ball over the boundary (fence) either on the ground (four points) or over the boundary (six points). When this occurs, no running to each "base," or wicket, is required. When one batsman gets out, they are replaced by another batsman from the same team until all 10 outs or the 300 pitches have finished.
There are 11 official ways to be "out" in cricket, but you only have to be concerned with the following ways: caught, same as in baseball; bowled, hitting the wicket (the three wooden sticks that are behind the batter); run out, which is similar to being picked off from a base; LBW, when the ball strikes the batsman (usually on the leg) while he is obstructing the ball from hitting the wicket.
Before we go further, I hear you saying, "Doesn't cricket take, like, 10 days to play?" Well, yes and no. The World Cup format is the somewhat shorter version called a one-day international, and roughly takes 7 1/2 hours to play. It's not much different than sitting through golf, or a full baseball season. It's a competition between bat and ball, country and country, a physical chess match.
It requires a balance of anaerobic and aerobic skill, with the hand-eye co-ordination of hitting a ball and the absolute pant-soiling fear of having a 5 1/2-ounce stone hurled at you at speeds nearing 100 miles an hour from 66 feet away. There have been severe injuries and deaths. Two months ago, a young Australian named Phillip Hughes died after being struck in the head despite wearing a helmet.
Simply put, this game is for real. Modifications to the equipment and the overall improvement in fitness levels have made the sport more dynamic and entertaining. The fielding is that of the same level as the major leagues, but without a glove. In a given game, an average cricketer will run about five kilometres. The force of a fast bowler's foot upon impact in delivery stride is three to nine times the athletes' body weight.
Make no mistake, these guys are athletes, as compelling as those in any sport. Each country boasts a superstar and they will captivate the world over the next six weeks.
AB de Villiers, South Africa
Arguably, although not by many, the best current player in all formats of the game. A natural multitalented athlete who excelled at rugby, tennis, badminton and a scratch golfer in his spare time, AB de Villiers is coming into the tournament in the best form of his life. This was evident earlier this year, when on Jan. 18 he scored the fastest century in history off 31 balls and later finished on 149 off 44 balls and included 16 sixes. His nickname is Mr. 360 because his exciting shot play around the ground and devastating ability to score quickly.
Chris Gayle, West Indies
With his flamboyant lifestyle, often displayed minute by minute via Twitter, Chris Gayle is the quintessential entertainer. There has rarely, or never, been a more destructive batsman in world cricket. Gayle's ability to destroy opposition bowling attacks and the relative ease with which he hits the ball over the fence is like no other the world has seen. When people speak of game-changers, Gayle is the true definition in every sense.
Eoin Morgan, England
Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling. Unfortunately, not for his first team, Ireland, but England. Eoin Morgan is an Irish born-and-raised cricketer whose exceptional talent landed him in Britain playing professional cricket. Not the first from Ireland to do so, Morgan's prolific scoring and unorthodox stroke play have entertained many crowds. His recent appointment as captain of English cricket team seems to have made him even more of a threat with the added responsibility proving to benefit his game.
Mohammad Irfan, Pakistan
Born in Gaggu Mandi, Punjab, Mohammad Irfan, at 7 foot 1, is the tallest bowler in history to play international cricket. Being that tall would generally affect his mobility, but Irfan is remarkably agile. Delivering the ball at speeds close to 85-90 mph, Irfan's height, together with his speed and bounce, will play havoc on opposition batsmen.
Brendon McCullum, New Zealand
One of the world's most destructive batsmen, Brendon McCullum is another of the modern players who continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible from the modern game. And what has been possible has been spectacular. In the best of form of his career, McCullum leads a strong and determined unit from the front and will be able to set the platform for large scores.
Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka
Slinga Malinga, as he is often referred, burst onto the cricket scene in 2004 with his blonde highlighted mop of hair. He has since become one of the most recognizable players in the world and who has been associated with being the best death bowler. His unorthodox bowling action and deadly accuracy continue to bamboozle the opposition.
Brendan Taylor, Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor has long been the cornerstone of the Zimbabwean batting order, which hasn't been easy considering the issues that have faced the country. He has repeatedly performed against big teams in trying conditions and given Zimbabwe a fighting chance. Although not a batsman who will destroy the opposition attack, he is more than capable of clearing the fence.
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh
The crown jewel of Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan has reached superstar status in his native country. A true all-rounder who is equally as effective with both bat and ball, a lot of Bangladesh's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals or finals will rest on his shoulders.
Paul Stirling, Ireland
Don't let his rotund stature fool you. Paul Stirling, who plays professionally for Middlesex in England, is quite capable of devastating innings as he showed in 2009, scoring 177 against Canada. Before the age of 24, he also scored two centuries versus a full-strength Pakistan along with match-winning 50s against Afghanistan. With his ability to take on good bowling attacks, his performance at the World Cup is vital to Ireland's chances of progressing.
Khurram Khan, UAE
At 43, Khurram Khan is UAE cricket. A seasoned campaigner who migrated from his native Pakistan, first played for UAE in 2001. Since then, he has been the main reason for that country's success. He is a fierce competitor who is a solid middle-order batsman and very useful left-arm spinner. A lot will rest on Khan to keep UAE competitive through the tournament.
Preston Mommsen, Scotland
In 2014, Preston Mommsen was chosen the ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year and was confirmed as Scotland's captain for the 2015 World Cup. Playing professionally in England for some time, he has had experience playing against some of the best players in the world. Leading a determined Scotland side, Mommsen's performance in the World Cup will be key toward the team's performance.
David Warner, Australia
David Warner immediately made an impression in international cricket with a whirlwind 89 against a strong South African side in his debut match for Australia. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in international cricket. Gifted with incredible strength and timing, Warner has established himself in all formats of cricket, but he is most destructive in the shorter forms, where he targets bowlers and takes advantage of the field restrictions. In the field, he is rated as one of the best and will likely produce jaw-dropping catches.
Hamid Hassan, Afghanistan
Some players wear their heart on their sleeves, but in Hamid Hassan's case he generally has it painted on his face, the Afghanistan flag usually donning both cheeks. Hassan has been an absolute giant for the Afghans and the main reason for their World Cup berth. A deceptive bowler who bowls a heavy ball and who can deceive you with pace, Hassan's ability to take crucial wickets is vital for the team's success in the World Cup.
First of three parts. Tomorrow: A closer look at the 14 teams. Friday, predictions and what matches to watch.