Group: A
4th Match: Australia versus Zimbabwe
Venue: Motera Stadium Ahmadabad
Start time: 14:30 hours (IST)
The current Ricky Ponting led Australian side no more carries the auspicious tag of invincibles in test cricket but remains a quality side in ODI cricket. After losing the ashes at home, Australians exhibited their A game in the one-day series, handing over 6-1 drubbing to England down.
Momentum has been the buzzword in the build up to the world cup and a 6-1 win over England in its last series before mega event clearly shows that they carry momentum with them.
Their preparations to their title defence, however, received a jolt with Michael Hussey, a top class finisher in limited overs cricket, and number spinner Nathan Haurtiz ruled out of the tournament.
A game against the weaker opos
Shane Watson emergence as their star player at the top of the order has been one of the main reasons for Australian reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ODI rankings. Wicket Keeper Brad Haddin will keep him company at the top order and would like to forge an effective opening partnership.
All eyes will be on Ponting. How he performs will be a key. When Ponting plays well, Australian side looks altogether a different batting unit.
Michael Clarke, best batsman against the spin in Australian side and power packed Cameron White will have the duties of giving lower order a platform to go for the charge in the death overs.
While Hussey’s good cricket brain and his claiming influence will be missed, it would up to his younger brother David that Michael’s absence doesn’t hurt the Aussies much.
Bowling
The pace quartet of Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger is what Australian would be banking on to give them wicket up front and late in the innings.
The form of Lee after a long lay-off has been excellent, winning him a Man of the Series award in recently concluded ODI series against England. His wicket taking ability with the new ball and variation like slow bouncers make him a potent bowler in ODI cricket.
While Taut offers pace, Johnson offers x-factor and Haurtiz’s replacement; Jason Krejza will try to make an impression on a big stage.
Monday’s game against a weaker side like Zimbabwe will give Aussies to experiment a bit with its combination.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (Capt), Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Callum Ferguson, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger
Coach: Tim Neilson
Zimbabwe
The loss of star players after 2003 world cup due to political instability resulted in Zimbabwe cricket losing the plot and gasping for space in the world cup. They were shunted out of top ten ODI rankings, marking their downfall.
Off late, however, cricket in Zimbabwe is being reshaped and there is a vivid synergy between the players and the administrators. Former players have been roped in to run the cricket giving their cricket a direction.
Zimbabwe won against India and Srilanka in three nation tournament last year to suggest that recovery mission is well on course.
Batting
Batting will revolve round the contributions from talented Brendon Taylor, wicket keeper Tatenda Taibu and Charles Coventry.
Skipper and all-rounder Elton Chigumbura will also
African side lacks a quality fast bowling unit but have a decent spin department.
Ray Price will be required to bring in all his experience to halt Aussie batsmen from scoring big runs but it will be off- spin of former captain, Prosper Utseya to watch out for. He has the variations, flight and control over his conventional off breaks.
All said and done, it should be a one way traffic with Australian bowlers coming hard at Zimbabwe batsmen with 150kph pace and Aussie batting piling up runs against rather inexperienced bowling unit of Zimbabwe.
Squad: Elton Chigumbura (Capt.), Charles Coventry, Craig Ervine, Tim Mawoya, Craig Cremer, Tatenda Taibu, Greg Lamb, Prosper Utseya, Chris Mpofu, Rainsford, Rekis Chakabwa, Brendon Taylor, Sean Williams, Shingirai Maskadsa and Ray Price.
Coach: Alan Butcher
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