The mind games have begun, talks about serving sweet chin music have started taking shape and Australia have made it clear that they won’t be holding back on banter as well. India are preparing themselves for the short stuff with some throwdowns off tennis balls and they do have a hint of what they would be up against when they face a fiery Australian pace attack.
Predictions for the winner have come in thick and fast and former Australia speedster Brett Lee reckons Australia will end up on the winning side. “I honestly think Australia will win on Thursday night,” Lee said, in a casual meet with the media. “What will probably give Australia the edge is the right balance which they have at the moment. Warner and Finch at the top and Steven Smith has settled in beautifully at number three. Michael Clarke comes in at No.4 and Shane Watson at 5, which gives a really good balance to the side. They have got the experience and the youth coming through,” elaborated Lee.
Meanwhile former England captain, Michael Vaughan, who accompanied Lee for the event, felt both teams had a fifty-fifty chance and one couldn’t rule out the ‘MS Dhoni factor’. “There is something about MS Dhoni and World Cups,” Vaughan said. “MS Dhoni knows how to win World Cups and that goes quite a long way, Vaughan said. “What he did after the tri-series is remarkable. I really do think it is a 50-50 caller. India have got the power and finesse.”
Lee also endorsed the fact that India’s comeback after the poor Tests and ODI series was impressive and one should not forget the fact that India are the defending champions. Both Lee and Vaughan felt the SCG pitch could suit the Indian slow bowlers. “I feel it will be a slow wicket and keep a bit low. The slower bowlers will come into play, which might favour India,” Lee said.
“India would fancy themselves playing at the SCG,” Vaughan added. “It will take some spin. Ashwin is getting the ball to shape through the air, which is very important to his style of bowling. They are looking at what Tahir did in the quarter-finals and it will come down to certain players winning their opening battles, from Warner and Finch to Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma winning the opening battle against Mitchell Starc. Come Thursday, it will be about which of the teams plays better.”
Amidst all the talks of India being served the short stuff, Lee was of the view that India’s pace attack too had the potential to create a flutter against the Australian batsmen. Lee was impressed with Mohammad Shami in particular. “Shami has got the most number of wickets in the tournament for India and has been really impressive. I have actually played a fair bit of cricket with Shami over the last couple of years and he is a wonderful guy.
“Umesh Yadav is another bowler who bowls at a good pace. India have got a three-prong pace attack that can all bowl quick up towards a 145kmph mark. If they land in the right spot then they have a really good chance to win.”
While Lee spoke about India’s bowling strength, Vaughan stressed on the batting armory of both sides. “The Indian team has a wonderful array of batsmen who have been there and done that,” Vaughan said. “They have got a couple of young players like Rahane, who I believe is the best technician among Indian players. He plays the quicks and spin as well as anybody. With MSD, they have a firecracker.
“For the Aussies, Maxwell has had a wonderful tournament and has the ability to hit the ball 360 degrees from ball-one. If Maxwell has his day, India can’t because he would score 100 in 50 balls. MS can do the similar but it’s generally down to the foundation. Smith and Clarke will be crucial for Australia as these two are the best players of spin and one of them at least will have to get a decent score.”
Lee backed Virat Kohli to come good at the SCG and expected him to rise to the occasion. “Virat is a world class player and he has proven that over the last few years. He obviously has got the right technique and a wonderful opportunity now to go and stamp his authority in the game.
He is a big game player. He will be looking forward to the semi-final. I know that he also loves to play against Australia. He will be looking forward to Thursday,” Lee said.
