Who deserves to win world cup 2007? Very clearly all stakes will go in favor of the reigning champions, Australia. It’s a side comprising of majestic batsmen, shrewd bowlers, very sharp fielders and a wicket keeper ever reliant upon. Than who can stop it from winning this world cup? What hope do their rivals have in the final stages of a tournament as big as the world cup?
Right from their game number one of the world cup, Australia has dominated all its opponents and defeated them convincingly. Not even a single rival has been able to create panic in the camp of the champs. No doubt, even if a slight threat or debacle comes, there is always someone to give his support. Every time one or the other player comes forward.
Mathew Hayden tops the list in the leading batsmen of the tournament, closely followed by the captain, Ricky Ponting. Hayden’s formidable batting is clearly seen with his three centuries of the tournament so far. Other batsmen always chip in to provide the best score if batting first and in case, the side is chasing, the bowlers will make sure they don’t have to chase a big target and the result comes in their favour only.
What can be done by the rivals to clinch the cup from the Kangaroos? Be it New Zealand, South Africa or Sri Lanka, the only ray of hope lies in the bowling. Whoever be the side, winning the toss is the first essential. With matches in the Caribbean starting at 9.30 any overnight rain, cloud cover, underlying moisture or humidity must be exploited by bowling first before the sun comes out. On the contrary, if the sun is in full bloom, batting first and scoring a stack of runs would give a little hope. And also hoping that when it comes to Australia’s turn with the bat, the ball gets soft and the pitch becomes frustratingly slow and low for the Kangaroo stroke makers.
The only weakness has been that the Australian bowlers at the 2007 World Cup seem hittable. But than, it requires really courageous batsmen to hit a bowl at Glen McGrath’s pace and coming out of the crease to hit Brad Hogg is nothing less than risk. Australia plays South Africa again in the second semi-final in St Lucia on Wednesday.
Who will bell the cat? Will South Africa and then either New Zealand or Sri Lanka be able to give some chills to the world champions? Or will one of them succeed in snatching the cup from the Kangaroos? Judging from results so far the answer seems to be no. Time will only tell who is world cup winner 2007.
via:SCORTSMAN
