AUSTRALIA

Australia have the best record of any team in the ICC Cricket World Cup's history. Champions three times (and holders this time) in the last five tournaments, Ponting's men are the team to beat.

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka are previous winners and know what it takes to win the ICC Cricket World Cup. This time, they field a side that has several experienced players (including some from their victorious 1996 squad).

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand are for many every ICC Cricket World Cup's Dark Horse. A very committed team that rotates around a few experienced players, great dollops of enthusiasm and Stephen Fleming's captaincy.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan are possibly the side that threaten Australia most. With exceptional players popping up every year, the side has great bench strength and are expected to do well.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa are seen as perennially unlucky losers. A rain rule cut short their gallant effort in their first ICC Cricket World Cup and a run-out in the last over saw them dispatched from 1999's semi-finals. Will this be their year?

WEST INDIES

West Indies are the home side. They are also inheritors of the legacy of Lloyd's men who were victors in the first two ICC Cricket World Cups. Fans and neutrals across the world will want to see them play well.

ENGLAND

England have been in three finals but never won. They have a super squad of players and though recent form has not been outstanding, the talent available makes them a favourite.

INDIA

India are also previous winners but that was a long time ago. The current side made it to the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup of 2003 where they fell to Australia .

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe have always done well in the ICC Cricket World Cup and in many matches punched above their weight. Sides that face them casually do so at severe risk as many teams have found out.

KENYA

Kenya have the ability to creep up on comfortable sides and give them a fright, if not a beating, as they did the West Indies . Any team that makes it to the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals (they did in 2003) are good.

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh 's moment in ICC Cricket World Cup history was their astonishing victory over Pakistan in 1999. Since then, the squad has matured and will be expected to do well by its fans.

SCOTLAND

Scotland qualified for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 when they beat Ireland . Unlike mainland European teams, the Scots have had close contact with cricket through England for years and will be keenly watched.

IRELAND

Ireland reached the finals of the ICC Trophy in 2005 and, like Scotland , have had close contact with cricket through England over the centuries. They are in a tough group and so will be watched keenly.

CANADA

Canada reached the semi-finals of the ICC Trophy in 1995 and have been playing internationally for a few years before that.

BERMUDA

Bermuda qualified for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in July 2005 so they've had a lot of time (and a lot of money, thanks to their government) to prepare for the event.

NETHERLANDS

Netherlands claimed the final qualifying place this year, and with it $ 500,000 in funding and ODI status, by beating the United Arab Emirates in the ICC Trophy 5th place play-off in 2005