It’s South Africa’s crisis rather than the World Cup semifinals that is making the headlines here. It’s quite understandable because when we came here, just about everybody was hoping that their national cricket team would do what the national rugby team did in 1995 — win the World Cup at home. Ever since South Africa stunned the cricket world by failing to go past the league stage, it was obvious that heads would roll.
Predictable as it was, I still feel for Shaun Pollock. He refused to take the easy way out and resign. Instead he stood by his convictions and faced the ax with dignity. I hope he continues to play for South Africa, for his presence is crucial as the team struggles to replace the likes of Allan Donald and Jonty Rhodes. The retirement of Pollock could really rock the boat, so I am watching developments on that front. Nasser Hussain was the first casualty of World Cup, 2003, and Pollock has followed soon after. I have a feeling a few more announcements are on their way. Coming back to the semifinals, can you blame people for not really being interested?
The India-Kenya match promises to be farcically one-sided, while the Sri-Lanka-Australia tie might be marginally more challenging. A lot is being said about whether the Aussie batsmen will be able to handle Muralitharan and Aravinda de Silva on a slow wicket. However, I think the erratic Lankan batting have even less of a chance against Andy Bichel, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath, all of whom have adjusted magnificently to the conditions at St. George’s Park. Sri Lanka have already lost three games and tied one on their way to the semifinals.
Both Sri Lanka and Kenya have got so far thanks to the largesse of the Kiwis, who gifted four points away. Sure, the Sri Lankans could spring a surprise, but right now it seems pretty unlikely. The Durban semifinal was always a worry for India since they felt batting second was a big disadvantage. I can’t blame them for feeling that way, but now that they are facing the minnows, a place in the finals is guaranteed, unless there is a massive disaster.
Matthew Hayden has without question been the underachiever of this tournament. Something tells me he will play a stellar role in the semis. Hayden has the technique and the footwork to take on spin on a slow turner. What’s more, a good show in the semis will give him confidence against India in the finals. Every Indian knows how dangerous he can be, and they would be counting on his current poor run to continue till the end of this tournament.
Arab News Sports 18 March 2003
