India and New Zealand on roll

New Zealand Vs Australia turned out to be a cracker of a contest. That game revealed a lot of things. First things first – Australia is beatable. But then the game revealed other nuances too. We will come to it one after the other.

To start with, Australia batted with lots of arrogance. Probably due to the fact that each one of Warner, Finch, Watson, Smith, Clarke, Maxwell etc., are all a match winner of their own and they all decided to take the game on their hands without applying patience even when wickets were tumbling. They may call it the Australian attitude, but certainly looked stupid. At the same time, there is no denial that the duo of Boult and Vettori bowled exceedingly well and brought Kiwis right back into the game after a rocketing start by Australia. Except for last man Cummins, most of Australians played little immature. One would pity the injustice to George Bailey for losing his place for no fault of his. Well, what can you do? Clarke knows this is the best chance to lead his side to title triumph and he is certainly not going to allow somebody like Bailey to steal the glory.

Between, the batting arrogance resulted in Australia bundling to 151. Not in dreams anyone would have guessed it. It is what it is. Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Expectedly McCullum began in ruthless fashion. One would expect Kiwis to finish the game losing barely 1 or 2 wickets. Yet again there was twist in tale. Kiwis crossed the line with only 1 wicket to spare. Funny you would think. Well the match proved the point that Australian bowling attack can turn a tiny total to a mountain. So, imagine what happens when they put sizable total on the board. This surely turns Australia into a very strong contender to win the World Cup. By now Australians must have learnt their lesson to stay level headed at all times.

England

I guess I’m being wrong with high expectations on England. At the moment, I look dumb for claiming them to be a dark horse of this tournament. I had my reasons.

They were never a great batting side in the first place. Certainly a good bowling side with the likes of Anderson, Broad and Finn. They were not expected to beat Australia and New Zealand. But then did not expect to lose to Sri Lanka either. A total of 300 should have been more than sufficient for the trio of Anderson, Broad and Finn. It is the same venue where Southee picked 7fer against England. Sri Lanka made a mockery of the 300 total posted by England. Anderson, Finn, Broad all looked dead ducks to the likes of Sangakara and Thirumanna. Well, Morgan takeover is not working.

At the moment, it appears to be a clean road for India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand to the Semi Finals with India and New Zealand on a roll.

South Africa seems to have found a new love for 400 runs. With De Kock struggling, Rossouw firing, wont be surprised, Duminy replaces De Kock while De Villiers don the glove job from here.

Teams like Pakistan are fighting the demons of Ireland and Zimbabwe for a spot in playoffs. West Indies on the other hand blowing hot and cold!!! Is it England or Bangladesh for QF?

Dinesh