I am writing this article when New Zealand thrash Aussies 3-0 in Hadlee-Chappel trophy. Congratulations Kiwis for this wonderful show(remember there were no Bond and Vettori in last match). Many records were broken during the tournament. Aussies faced hugest margin (by wickets) loss, New Zealand successfully chased 2 of top 3 in ODI history, Mcmillan scored fastest ODI hundred by Kiwis, the last match equaled maximum number of sixes (26) in a match, Haydos record breaking innings.....you name it. Australia lost last 5 matches in a row after 11 years! They lost 6 matches out of last 7! What a tragic ending(?) for the dominating decade in international cricket. They won last 2 world cups and were runner up in the previous to that. Is it end to Aussies dominance in the world cricket?
One of my friend called me over the phone and was telling - 'shame to Aussies. They will never reach even quarterfinals (he meant super '8')'. I can only laugh at this as I think he got over excited on Australia’s lost. I requested him to keep his all comments till end of the world cup and lets see how much valid they are - by then.
I beg all to differ. I agree sometime they look like bad losers or very arrogant. But remember - the second fiddle team (without their top 3 batsmen out of top order 4, without their in-form captain, without their dangerous all-rounder, without their fast and furious bowler) gave close fight in last 2 matches. I strongly believe loosing matters to the teams with low confident. But the team like Australia loosing is just a wake up call. Remember what happened in the last Ashes...
This will be the last world cup for most of the senior guys in Australia team. I think it will be last international performance for Gilchrist, Hayden, Mcgrath and their coach Buchanan. They definitely want to end their career in style. Ponting is in full form in last 2-3 years (hmmm when was he out of form in his international career?). Mr. cricket is perfect replacement for Micheal Bevan. Aussies fielding is far better than other teams. Only worry for them seems in bowling department. But you can never underestimate Mcgrath. Braken is also doing well. Only thing they are missing is Warney. They don't have replacement for world's best spinner. The spinners in the Australia team are only there for finishing the overs - but not wicket taking bowlers. Remember '99 and '96 world cup semi finals? It was Warney who turned the low scoring matches.
Please remember I am not a Australian cricket fan (am just a Shane Warne fan, but that is altogether different matter) but I like the way they play cricket professionally.
I bet Aussies definitely reach semis, at least. After that it will be one match wonder. Anything can happen. Still my mind says Aussies will retain the cup this time too. But you never know what will happen in cricket....that's why we love the game, right?
Ok, something other that Australia cricket – whom I think the cricketers to watch in this world cup? KP in batting and Bond in bowling. All comments welcome.
