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What happens every three to four years around the world, everybody thinks they will win it, and 11 out of 12 teams will be disappointed? Yes, there are other minor sporting events that fit some of the criteria - the Olympics, the football World Cup, the rugby union World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and, of course, the Preston Guild All-Comers' Marbles Championship. But you know I am talking about the Cricket World Cup in England.

No host country has ever won the Cup and there will be 42 matches at 18 venues in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Holland. In true Lord Oaksey-speak, that is the race card, so let's go to the paddock for the runners and riders. England will be keen to break the mould and win on home ground. Yes indeed, John.

It will be testing, though we are experienced over the course, if not the distance. The selectors have pinned their faith on tried and tested performers, plus a thoroughbred from the Lancashire stable in Andrew Flintoff. Andrew's outings in the Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah gave notice of his power with controlled hitting; some shots finished up on the next track in Abu Dhabi. He bowls and throws like a siege gun. Other teams will be mindful of England.

The competition will be fierce, led by Sri Lanka, the reigning champions. The perception is of smiling cricketers from the sunny isle. In reality, they are as tough as old boots and will give any side a run for their money. Jayasuriya, if fit after breaking his wrist in Australia, will lead the charge and can be likened to a helicopter in take-off mode. Ranatunga orchestrates the whole shooting match and has stable-mates in de Silva and Muralitharan. They won the Emirates Triangular Series at Lord's last year and will not give up their crown lightly.

The favourites are Australia, South Africa and Pakistan. South Africa look well balanced and have a most influential jockey in Hansie Cronje (or Harry Cronshaw as he is known in Wigan). They ooze class with the likes of Kallis, Donald and Pollock to the fore. Add the presence of Rhodes in the field and Kirsten at the top of the order. For me, they are the ones to beat.

Australia have been much travelled recently, from Kuala Lumpur to Karachi and Sydney to St Vincent. Have they had one race too many? They, too, have selected some old warhorses in their stable. Reiffel and Moody will be at home in the conditions and, if there is heavy going, Steve Waugh will be in the front line. Like Rhodes, Ponting is box-office in the field, and in Warne and McGrath they have the two most influential bowlers in the modern game. It will be interesting to see if they have been over-worked.

Pakistan are the unpredictable entry. Champions in 1992, they still have a core of that side, supplemented by some exciting youngsters. The fastest bowler in the world is a Pakistani, Shoaib Akhtar, with a rating of upwards of 150kph. It's a daunting sight for any batsman. And their batsmen can ensure any attack goes the distance.

Those, in my form book, are the principals, but what about dark horses to ignore at your peril? India come to mind. The prince of batsmen, Tendulkar, will be on view, and will be backed up by Azharuddin and Jadeja. Their attack will be led by Srinath and Prasad with Agarkar to follow. Agarkar is the bowler who holds the record of being the fastest to 50 wickets in one-day internationals. Then there is Kumble, now past 200 wickets in Tests and one-dayers and with experience of a season in county cricket with Northamptonshire. The West Indies are also of note. Maybe a last outing here for Walsh and Ambrose, and not before time I hear batsmen say. Can Lara continue where he left off against Australia recently and harness the ability of the team behind him? He is the most exciting talent on view, but he needs his team to respond to him.

Coming up quietly on the rails are New Zealand. They could go the distance. Their strength is in the field, but they have bowlers like Doull, Cairns, Harris, Allott and Vettori (no relation to Frankie) who can exploit the conditions.

Zimbabwe, like New Zealand, will excel in the field. They will take some notable scalps. Kenya, Scotland and Bangladesh complete the line-up, and will enjoy the experience. There has been an upset in almost every World Cup, and all will hope the trend repeats itself.