All eight teams competing in the Champions Trophy are here now; all can harbour thoughts of winning it. It takes five wins in a row to be guaranteed the delight of raising the cup to the skies in south London on 18 June. This is a far more palatable format for the players than the World Cup because no time is wasted. It is far more palatable for the fans as well. If the sun continues to shine the tournament will be a success.
From 1 June to 12 June there will be a match every day at one of three venues – The Oval, Edgbaston and Cardiff – followed swiftly by semi-finals and the final at the Oval. The likeliest teams to contest those semi-finals are Australia and England from Group A and India and South Africa from Group B. But take nothing for granted. There are no easy games .
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