Kangaroos
‘ Kiwis in grudge battle
Australia and New Zealand will front up to each other in a game that
could be best described as a ‘grudge fight’ when they get into the
cricket ring that is the SuperSport Park, Centurion in South Africa in
the ICC Champions Trophy final starting at 6 p.m. Sri Lanka time today.
Since that day when Australian skipper Greg Chappell got his brother
Trevor to bowl an underarm delivery when these teams met in limited over
game, their meetings have always been keenly contested ones, with no
quarter asked or given. Losing will be anathema to them.
From the first ball to the last,the two teams will go for each
other’s jagular and they will not let go till the final ball is bowled.
Hence those on the ground and the millions glued to their radio and TV
sets will be provided thrill a minute action.
When Trevor delivered that underam delivery, he was playing to the
rules, which at that time allowed an underam delivery to be bowled after
informing the umpire. Greg and Trevor were accused and lynched for not
playing in the spirit of the game. That incident created the wounds that
have still not healed. It nearly brought both countries to war. But
finally saner counsel prevailed and although they will meet promising to
play the game, feelings will run high on the field.
To the final and the team winning the toss and batting first will
have a slight advantage. Not that the side batting second is going to
lose.
If the wicket on which the first semi-final between Australia and
England was played is an indication, then the wicket will play easy and
batting first or second would not matter.
England and Australia enjoyed a run glut at the SuperSport Park
wicket. According to reports, the curator has promised a wicket that
will be batting and bowling friendly. If that promise turns out to be
true, then batting first or chasing would not be a difficult task.
Australia the reigning champions will not let go of the trophy. If
the brutal manner in which they dumped their traditional rivals England
is an indication, then their batting juggernaut will strike ruthlessly
and hard at the New Zealanders.
The Aussie batsmen led by skipper Ricky Ponting are in fine fettle.
Ponting himself is batting at his best and yet another big score is
expected from him. His receipe in defeating England was: ‘Respect every
delivery’. And that is how he will gert his team to go in this final
too.
Opener Shane Watson was in belligerent form against England smashing
a brilliant three figure score. He is determined to continue in this
form. He and Ponting did not allow any of the England bowlers to bowl
line or length as they just pulverized them.
Michael Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, Tim Paine and Mitchel
Johnson are all capable batsmen and can be relied on to score.
In bowling they will look for an early breakthrough from the fearsome
Brett Lee who can be lethal. Supporting Lee will be Mitchel Johnson,
Shane Watson and Peter Siddle with spin coming from off spinner Nathan
Hauritz.
As for New Zealand there will be no letting up now that they have
entered the final. They scored impressive victories in entering the
final and Daniel Vettori’s men are determined to stuff the kangaroos.
The Kiwis will certainly miss the big hitting of Jesse Ryder. Vettori
too is carrying injuries, but is expected to play and deliver with both
bat and ball.
Brendon McCallum, Martin Guptil, Grant Elliot and Ross Taylor will
have to make big runs, while Shane Boind, Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills and
Ian Butler will have to trouble the Aussie batsmen with pace while
Vettori will try to out think the free scoring Aussie batsmen with his
clever spin. |