Australian Cup in the Jaws of Sub-Continental Countries!!
The biggest fiesta of cricket has arrived and this time it’s being held in sub continent after one and a half decade. Last time when the event was held in sub continent Sri Lankans emerged as the winners and this time too sub continental teams seems to be better prepared to face the yellow fever. Australia is currently almost the replica of the Steve Waugh’s 1999 world cup winners. Although without Michael Hussey and Andrew Symonds there batting looks weak but still Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting can tear any bowling attack anytime. The major concern is there bowling pace battery. Pace and swing is not the best option on slow and flat pitches of sub continent. So Jason Kreza will be a crucial player but lacking in exposure at sub continent level may play negative on them. Also one blond spinner can be very lethal as we all have seen in the 1999 world cup.
Looking at the sub continent team the major three India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are looking the most favourite of all. Sri Lanka has Mahela, Sangakkara, Malinga and the Legend Muralitharan who is on the verge of creating history of most wickets in World Cup. Also they are considered to be most difficult when it comes to playing in Sri Lanka in their own island. They are the magicians of their own can change the course of any match in a jiffy. But the problem they have is consistency in bowling by remaining bowlers.
On the other hand India having the backing of prays of one billion people and being the last World Cup for Sachin they seem to be among the top 4 contenders. With Sehwag and Gambhir being lethal every time they come out bat, while Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj provides the backbone for middle order and Pathan comes for finishing touch, but I guess we have overlooked bowling and fielding the most critical areas. Indian Bowling attack has struggled what so ever any one says. Even Dhoni admitted after England’s match that Indians bowling attack need to give a better show and fielding need to lifts the standard.
Pakistan is like a wounded tiger raring to get his piece of meat back from. The Paksitani team despite the absence of Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif looked a very formidable side. They can give any team hard time both in batting as well as bowling. Also in the similar conditions as Pakistan they are like juggernauts of Asia. Decent batting bowling and a some buttery hand in fielding but still one of the favourites.
South Africa and England are good contenders but still at the end of the day we have to agree that both have not got a very good record in big tournaments as well as in sub continents. But we all know cricket is a funny game of drama and u never knows which team can do what. So let’s see how this competition unfolds and who emerges as the apprentice this time.
By,
Tarun Avtar Arya,
