The start of the most competitive stage of the World Cup is only a few hours away. The first round witnessed some unexpected twists and turns, with fancied sides like India and Pakistan crashing out. As far as I am concerned, the primary remedy to the afflictions that both sides are struggling with at the moment is pretty much obvious; some hard decisions have to be taken. The decision-makers should seriously consider forgetting about the past and looking at the future.
As they prepare for their first game of the Super 8s, the West Indians will have the expectations of their compatriots in mind. The players have jelled well, and thoroughly deserve the overwhelming support they have got. West Indian cricket hasn’t had the best of times of late, but the current side seems determined to make a difference. The public too seems to believe that the team possesses the desire to end the long drought that West Indian cricket has been through.
The Australians are also looking good enough to end their stint at the No. 2 spot in the ICC ratings. The batting has an impenetrable feel about it. Ponting will be slightly concerned with the bowling, as will his counterpart Lara. Most of the matches in this World Cup have been played on flat wickets and short boundaries. That gives the bowlers absolutely no margin for error. The first round has witnessed a phenomenal number of straight sixes, with not even the fastest and most accurate bowlers being spared. Muttiah Muralitharan, like on most occasions, has been an exception!
The adverse conditions notwithstanding, it is critical that the bowlers strike early. Quite simply, they and their side will be in trouble if they don’t, for quality batsmen will flourish on these wickets. I feel the Australians will be tempted to give Glenn McGrath the new ball. Shaun Tait has proved himself as an effective ‘old-ball’ bowler. His ability to generate reverse-swing might prompt the think tank to hold him back for the middle overs.
The strip at St. John’s, the old venue in Antigua, used to be one of the flattest in the Caribbean. The one at the new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is an unknown quantity. I did speak to Adam Gilchrist yesterday, and he told me that it looked like an old, traditional Caribbean wicket, in that you can see your reflection in it! The sheen in the strip will provide bounce and carry for the faster bowlers, but will in no way discourage the batsmen from going for their strokes.
The boundaries at the new ground are longer than those at St. Kitts, but they shouldn’t make the slightest difference to the batsmen of both sides. The big guns are in fine nick, and they certainly believe that they can get any total. The West Indies will miss a frontline spinner. They have Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, but they are both part-timers, and the Australian batsmen will surely come hard at them. Brad Hogg is at the peak of his confidence, and he will pose a few problems to the West Indian batsmen. But make no mistake, Lara, Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul are proficient enough to get the better of him.
All in all, I believe both sides are comfortable with their batting and a bit worried about their bowling. Hence, things are more or less even, and whoever bowls and fields better will win.
Both sides have entered the Super 8s with two points in their respective kitties. The winner of today’s game will thus virtually seal a semifinal spot. It’s only fair to expect a cracker of a contest.
