Calcutta, March 17 :    Calcutta, March 17:  It was certainly an evening with a difference at the Saturday Club. For, holding court was the inimitable Geoff Boycott. Invited by British Airways to speak on the World Cup ? a bat autographed by Boycott and Sourav Ganguly was auctioned for charity on the occasion ? the former England captain picked his favourites. Of course, Boycott had a word of caution: Watch out for the weather. Here goes: INDIA: Very talented, but they don?t travel so well. I mean, look at their record abroad... Then, they depend too much on Sachin, it?s got something to do with their mental make-up... If Sachin gets out early then something seems to just disappear from within. I reckon it?ll be between India and Sri Lanka for the third spot from group A (for the super-six). SRI LANKA: Don?t think they?ll keep the crown. In the past 12 months, specially, they haven?t blooded that many youngsters. And, as far as I see it, a couple of their top players are past their prime. They?ll certainly give a good account, but it?ll be quite an achievement making it to the semis. Remember, their spinners won?t have it easy in the wet, cold ambience. PAKISTAN: Funny lot... Immense talent, blessed with great ability, but you never quite know which side of the bed they?ll get up from. Overnight, then, their performance can change. Also, there always are factions within the team. At the moment, though, they?re a united lot and are being led by a good captain. Indeed, very dangerous and should make the semis. ENGLAND: Not a great side, but will have the advantage of playing at home. Familiarity with conditions will be particularly helpful as the weather can play more than just truant in the first-half of the summer. England aren?t blessed with many world-class players ? probably not even one ? but watch out for Hick, Thorpe and the charismatic Gough. God help England if Gough gets injured, though. SOUTH AFRICA: I know you can?t predict a one-day match, let alone a tournament, but South Africa and Australia are my personal favourites. South Africa will surely be the best fielding side and, really, their top strength is bowling and fielding. Then, look at the many allrounders ? Kallis, Pollock and Klusener. Kallis, specially, is brilliant. Clearly, the team won?t be short on commitment. Options too. By far the best team in group A. AUSTRALIA: It?s a team that takes chances. Quality batsmen and bowlers. Dale, in particular, is ideally suited for conditions in England. Like I?ve said, definitely one of the favourites. The best side in group B. WEST INDIES: Another funny team. Who would have placed a wager on the West Indies thrashing Australia by ten wickets (second Test) after being bowled out for 51 in the first Test? Nobody in a million years. Yet, they?ve produced an astounding result. So... NEW ZEALAND: Won?t be fazed by conditions which could get quite similar to home. Some are talking of New Zealand and, indeed, the team could pull off one or two surprises, but... ZIMBABWE: Very good fielding side, best after South Africa. However, the team is short on world-class performers. And, well, it helps to have top-quality players. BANGLADESH, KENYA, SCOTLAND: At best, we could have the odd fluke result.