Cricket World Cup 2015: A to Z

Need a few pointers heading into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015? Here are a few, from A to Z, as the action kicks off Friday in New Zealand and Australia.

A

Australia. The host country and most dominant team in Cricket World Cup history with four titles in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007. If they don't win the World Cup, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will unleash wild kangaroos on the squad.

B

Bangladesh. Nicknamed the Tigers. In reality, they're about as tenacious as your run-of-the-mill, domestic short-haired tabby cat.

C

Christchurch. Site of the World Cup's opening match, a morale booster for New Zealand after a series of earthquakes devastated the city in 2011.

D

Dale Steyn. One of the world's fastest bowlers, the South African wrestles with wild animals in his spare time.

E

Eoin Morgan. England's new captain, but he's originally from Ireland. The Gaelic spelling for his first name (pronounced "Owen") is a source of confusion for many.

F

Faf du Plessis. South African batsman, real first name Francois. Yes, he prefers to go by "Faf."

G

The Gabba. It's the major cricket ground in Brisbane that usually serves as host for the first Test match of every Australian summer. Saves everyone from having to say the whole mouthful that is Woolloongabba.

H

Hamid Hassan. Afghanistan's best fast bowler, who will be the No. 1 reason they're worth tuning in to watch. He sports a patriotic headband with a vibe that's more David Wheaton than John McEnroe.

I

Mohammad Irfan. The World Cup's tallest player at 7-foot-1. Imagine Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Randy Johnson with a 20-yard running start before hurling 90 mph-plus deliveries, and that's what cricket batsmen have to look forward to against this Pakistani left-armer.

J

Mitchell Johnson. Reigning ICC Cricketer of the Year. This Aussie used to drive around delivering plumbing supplies before he eventually decided bowling fast and taking wickets was more fun and paid better wages.

K

Khurram Khan. The modern game certainly isn't your old man's brand of cricket, but nobody told that to Khurram. The United Arab Emirates vice captain, whose day job is working as a flight purser for Emirates Airlines, is the event's oldest player at age 43.

L

Lasith Malinga. The crazy-haired Sri Lankan slingshot-style bowler has laser-sharp accuracy late in matches and has been known to break toes, bats and opposition's hearts.

M

Melbourne Cricket Ground. Home of this year's World Cup final and annual Australian Football League Grand Final. According to Victorians, this 100,000-plus seat facility is heaven.

N

Napier. Funky beachside town on New Zealand's North Island that will host three World Cup matches. After 4 p.m., the place pretty much shuts down, leaving just the beach or the local KFC as possible hangouts.

O

O'Briens. The Irish brothers, Niall and Kevin, have played a big part of the biggest upsets at each of the past two World Cups -- Niall for his knock against Pakistan on St. Patrick's Day in 2007 and Kevin for his record-setting, fastest World Cup century against England in 2011.

P

Proteas. Nickname for the South African team. They have often lived up to their moniker by wilting under pressure, having never won a World Cup knockout match.

Q

Quinton de Kock. The 22-year-old South African wicketkeeper is a doppelganger for recently sacked England captain Alastair Cook, but thankfully his batting style isn't as boring.

R

Randwick. It's the race course around the corner from Sydney Cricket Ground. A good place to go for anyone who gets bored of cricket and is looking for some great gaming since the International Cricket Council banned betting from inside cricket grounds during the tournament.

S

Sachithra Senanayake. Just when you finally learned how to pronounce Michael Hoomanawanui and Giannis Antetokounmpo, this Sri Lankan spinner (pronounced SATCH-ith-ruhhh Sen-ann-EYE-uh-key) came along.

T

Target. If you can't figure out anything else about cricket, just remember that the target score is what the team batting second needs to get to win the match.

U

Umar Akmal. Pakistan batsman and purveyor of the selfie. The most talented, least hated, and only Akmal brother to make this year's World Cup squad.

V

Virat Kohli. India's best player. When the camera is trained on him, you'll learn the art of batting ... and every Hindi swear word you ever wanted to know.

W

Wicket. The batting surface on which the match is played. Or the three stumps at each end of the pitch. Or when someone gets out.

X

Xavier Doherty. The lone specialist spin-bowler on Australia's squad. Even if they do win the World Cup, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will unleash a pack of wild kangaroos on him.

Y

Younis Khan. Former Pakistan captain, now one of their most experienced batsmen. His birth certificate says he's 37, but he makes Jamie Moyer look 21.

Z

Zimbabwe. Their chances of winning the tournament are about as strong as their national currency.