India have bowled out their opposition in each of their seven World Cup matches.
© Getty Images
In the last 35 years, India have beaten Australia only once at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Now, on Thursday, MS Dhoni's blue brigade will be up against Michael Clarke's men in the mother of all clashes - the World Cup semifinal. (Australia Favourites Against India:Hayden)
The Aussies, as expected, start the game as favourites but on current form, India look more than capable of knocking the home team out. Sunil Gavaskar, however, was caught in a dilemma. His emotions guided him to lean towards India while, his intellect sided with Australia in this high-voltage clash. (Clarke Wary of Indian Bowling)
"My heart says India but I think Australia have the advantage", said Gavaskar speaking exclusively to NDTV, "they will be more confident because they have beaten India in all their games in the tri-series." (Clarke credits Dhoni for Team India's redemption)
Brian Lara though, is betting on India to beat the Aussies, "My bet is on India and I am hopeful because India have got what it takes to win against the Aussies."
The left-handed West Indian great further explained, "This Indian team is on a roll and man-to-man, India have performed better than Australia in this tournament."
The rest of the experts were a bit more skeptical.
Ian Chappell called it a 50-50 game.
"Australia has more match winners", said the former Australian skipper, "But if India bat first and put up a big score, Australia might be in trouble."
VVS Laxman too, went with an Australian win but pointed out that India are not far behind because of their IPL experience.
"Indian bowlers will look for wickets and the IPL experience will help them against Australia", said Laxman.
He also pointed out that the Indian players are better equipped at handling pressure and will not be overawed by the big occasion. However, the ex-Indian maestro thought that Australia will have to face more pressure given their home advantage.
Gavaskar too, backed up that theory.
"Seventy percent of SCG would be packed with Indians, it won't be easy for the Aussies", said the former Indian opener.
India have a woeful record at the SCG in ODIs. For Lara though, the past doesn't matter.
"Past doesn't matter in these games", argued Lara, "India look a completely different team in this tournament and if the Sydney pitch provides a bit of turn, India would be very effective. I hope to see an attacking India at Sydney."
It's going to be a riveting encounter and it's very difficult to pick a winner. Both teams have to play out of their skins and put their best foot forward at the SCG because this is Australia v India - the final before the finals!
0 comments:
Post a Comment