BY ANDY THORNHILL

I AM TEMPTED to say there is a strange, but hopefully, not ill wind blowing through the Cricket World Cup.

In the words of the late reggae singer Jacob "Killer" Miller, there seems to be mixed up moods and attitudes. It all makes me wonder if it is preparing us for an unlikely winner of the tournament as well.

Seriously, we can chronicle some of the things we least expected to happen, but have already done so since the World Cup began whether it was in the warm-up phase or during official competition.

Did anyone expect that members of the Royal Barbados Police Force would be searched like ordinary citizens by ordinary security personnel during a warm-up match at the 3Ws Oval?

Weren't we all startled to hear about a teargas canister in the Trinidad Hilton that forced teams to be evacuated again during the warm-up portion of play?

Although not on the same scale as a security breach, weren't we surprised that several volunteers had not yet been accredited on the eve of the tournament?

Again, comparatively speaking, but weren't we shocked by the outrageous prices being charged at the venues for food and drink?

When the action started who anticipated that minnows Ireland would embarrass mighty Pakistan, a previous winner of the tournament in 1992? And to a lesser extent Bangladesh upsetting India and helping to set up an early exit for one of the pre-tournament favourites?

Were we prepared for the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer?

Not expected

Did we expect that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would have to take over the running of the Guyana leg days before the start of a Super 8 series when we were assured by the country's highest office that everything would be in place?

In other words, it seems that this is turning out to be a World Cup where the unexpected should be expected. There is no time for complacency at any level on or off the field vis-a-vis administration or play in the middle.

The Woolmer death, in my opinion, reinforces the need to keep security even tighter than White House style.

I am sure that the authorities here in Barbados are paying full attention to security issues and might be considering placing even greater measures in place to ensure that there is a smooth path to the finish line.

Before a ball had been bowled in the tournament, the respected Michael Holding had questioned the presence of so many associate teams in the World Cup, suggesting it would water down its quality but even he might want to take a few steps back on this matter because, but for a couple instances, the so-called minnows have been beaten but not disgraced.

The obvious lesson is that if they get the chance to play more often against "the big boys" their game will improve.

We only need to look at the steady progress made by Bangladesh over the years. At one stage coached by West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge, who said there were not ready for top flight cricket as yet and this seemed to be borne out by dismal performances in their first World Cup in 1999 and subsequent drubbings in both forms of the game.

There were all bitter pills to take even with calls to the ICC to suspend their Test status until they had shown themselves capable of competing with the more established teams. And while nobody I know is brave enough to say they can win this World Cup, look at the way they have performed so far. India can make the best assessment of their growth!

New Zealand have been going about their business with tremendous efficiency and you tend to ask: Can they be the dark horse? Sri Lanka is on fire and you wonder who can pour water on their heat. England, who has yet to win the game's most prestigious prize, looks to be modest only at this stage.

Defending champions Australia, particularly after their caning of the top-ranked South Africa in the group stage, still looks like the team to beat. The West Indies have done everything to satisfy their supporters so far and look to have the tools to get the job done. Honestly, I believe the Super 8 stage will see them stepping up a few notches.

Despite dispatching Pakistan early from the World Cup, I can't see Ireland posing any further threats. They have had their day in the sun and can be extremely happy with their accomplishments.

I don't think I have to knock on wood about this one.