The most-sought after marquee rivalry of modern day cricket will be on display again as the reigning ODI world champion Australia take on host India in the second quarter-final of 2011 world cup at picturesque Motera stadium on Thursday.
Tracing back to the year 2000 when Steve Waugh’s invincible men were made to bite the dust by Ganguly’s boys in one of the greatest ever test series, the rivalry between Australia and India have developed into one of the most intense contests over the years overshadowing even the India-Pakistan clash at times.
As it has always been the case, there is not much to choose between these two sides on paper. While India, with the likes of Sehwag, Sachin, Gambhir, Dhoni, Kohli and Yuvraj, possess tournament’s most potent batting line up, Australia too have in their ranks a number of formidable willow wielders with Watson, Haddin, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke and White all being capable of tearing apart opposition.
Australia, though, appear a bit ahead of India in pace-bowling department with the likes of Lee, Tait and Johnson all being capable of touching 150 km. India, however, are better-served in spin bowling department.
The ongoing world cup has been a mix big for both Australia and India so far. Dubbed a pre-tournament favourite, India have failed to live up to the expectation. Barring the comprehensive victories against depleted West Indies and minnow Bangladesh, Dhoni’s men have been seen stuttering on all other occasions. While they got almost choked by England, South Africa came back from nowhere to jolt them in a closely-contested game. The team struggled against even minnows Ireland and Neteherlands before scrapping through.
Australia, too, have their moments of glory and glum in the world cup. While they drubbed New Zealand, the defeat at the hands of Pakistan in their last group match- the first that the team suffered after 34 wins in world cup history- means that Ponting and company would look for redemption when they play men in blue.
Australia
It is for the first time since 1996 that Australia may miss out the boat for the world cup final if they lose against India at Motera.
Australian batting has looked vulnerable to spin in past and with spin being India’s forte; Aussie batsmen have to find a way to deal with Indian tweakers.
Watson has been impressive with the bat at the top of the order and he would be again expected to provide the team a good start with fellow opener Brad Haddin. Ponting’s poor form has been a cause of concern for Kangaroos though Clarke’s good run augurs well for the squad.
Australia don’t have potent spinners in their squad and therefore much would depend on how the troika of Lee, Tait and Johnson bowl here.
There will be no denying the fact that spin pair of Jason Krejza and Steven Smith will be under tremendous pressure to perform as they haven’t provided breakthroughs and stem the run flow in the middle overs.
Squad
Ricky Pointing (c), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (WK), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Steven Smith, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, John Hastings, Tim Paine, Callum Ferguson
Coach: Tim Nielson
India
Choosing the right combination would be the biggest challenge for Dhoni in this game. With marauding Sehwag returning into the squad after he missed the last game following an injury, Raina may have to sit out again. Pathan, too, has been a flop with the bat in the world cup though the team management would like to keep him in the squad for his big hitting capabilities.
Bowling continues to be India’s weak link and it is there that the real challenge lies for Dhoni to work out the right combination.
R Ashwin impressed one and all with his spin in the last game and therefore he is likely to be persisted with. In the pace department, none of the fast bowlers have been able to complement outstanding Zaheer Khan and therefore it would be interesting to see who Dhoni decides to field in the squad as the second seamer. Harbhajan, who has bowled well in patches in this tournament, will be keen to put up a good show at Motera as pitch is expected to be spin -riendly.
Batting collapse at death overs is another factor India have to rectify in this game. The team has collapsed more often than not after a stupendous start and repeating this may prove fatal for them at knockout stage.
All eyes will again be on Tendulkar who is only one short of 100 international tons. Given the fact that master batsman has always cherished playing against the kangaroos, the timing is appropriate for him to bring his 100th ton in this game.
For India, fielding will be another thing on their agenda to work with as India players barring a few have looked lethargic in the out-field.
Squad
Mahendra Singh Dhoni(C and WK), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, S Sreesanth, R Ashwin, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina
Coach: Garry Kirsten
Key Battles
Tendulkar/Sehwag vs. Lee/Tait
Sehwag and Tendulkar have been lynchpins of Indian batting while Lee and Tait lead the Australian attack. The early battle between the pairs can go a long way in deciding the outcome of the game.
Watson Vs Zaheer
Watson has been Australia’s most consistent batsmen in all formats in recent months while Zaheer has led from the front as far as Indian bowling is concerned. The contest between the two makes for a great viewing.
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