Just returned from Christchurch and having seen how many kids play organised cricket it's no wonder that the Kiwis are doing well.
It's the same here in Australia. Just about every boy, and lots of girls, will play organised cricket, either through their schools or through junior clubs. Cricket academies are in many country towns, and many prominent cricketers hold coaching days, all sponsored by Cricket Australia.
Dave M, you are right about the Pakistanis knowing how to make their cricket pay
, their record in that department is second to none.
I have to say I was surprised at how comprehensively South Africa were beaten by India, I thought the Saffas were better than that.
I agree that some countries should probably not be in the World Cup, Afghanistan is one that comes to mind. On the other hand, countries such as Ireland and Scotland, neither of which is regarded as "mainstream" cricketing nations, are quite capable of pulling of some dramatic upsets, and have both done so in the past. It will be very interesting to see how England performs against Scotland today in New Zealand.
Peter.