Ricky Ponting looks on during a training session in Ahmedabad on March 22, 2011. (AP Photo)
TOI lists four things about the Australians that India must be careful about on Thursday
Field Marshals: They may no longer possess the same era with many of their star batsmen and bowlers gone, but the Aussies are still up there with one aspect of their game which has always give them the edge over others-fielding. The best examples of this was Steven Smith's brilliant catch and a runout he effected during their game against Sri Lanka at Colombo. In a KO, such brilliance could clinch the deal at a critical moment.
Deadly Duo: In Shane Watson and Michael Hussey, Australia have two all-time great ODI cricketers. 'Watto' can smash the bowlers around the park and play a big, match-defining knock, while Hussey can finish of an innings or a match with ease. Watson, arguably the best all-rounder of this tournament, will feed off his experience of playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Having missed out on the initial stages, Hussey would be hungry to get a big one now.
Pace Pack: In Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait, the Aussies have a lethal pace attack, that can trouble the best of batsmen. India, in fact, it could face their first big 'pace test' at Motera. While Lee and Tait will unleash searing pace, Johnson can move it around dangerously.
Big Match Experience: The Aussies have won three World Cups on the trot, four overall, and apart from that, have reached the finals twice. Skipper Ricky Ponting has played in four WC finals, and won three of them. The Aussies are masters in raising their game in big matches.
The numbers favour the Aussies
History: India have consistently raised their profile in the World Cup, from being the underdogs in the 1975 edition, to famously triumph in the 1983 Cup. Since then, they have been a force to reckon with. Australia made it to the finals in '75, and since then, they have turned into the team to beat in the World Cup. They completed a hat-trick of titles in 2007, and have clinched the crown four times. They have wona Cup in the sub-continent before, in 1987.
Big Blow: One of the biggest thrashings of the World Cup, particularly in a World Cup final, was Australia blowing India out by 125 runs at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on March 17. India goofed up at the toss, asking the Aussies to bat. Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting played one of the best innings of his career, and one of the best knocks ever in a WC final, as he smashed to power Oz to a huge total. A stunned India wilted under pressure.
Brief Scores: Australia 359/2 in 50 overs (Ricky Ponting 140*, Damien Martyn 88*, Adam Gilchrist 57; Harbhajan 2-49 ) beat India 234 in 39.2 overs (Virender Sehwag 82, Rahul Dravid 47, Glenn McGrath 3-52 ) by 125 runs.
Last Encounter: At Vizag, October 20, 2010
Brief scores: Australia 289/3 in 50 overs ( Michael Clarke 111*, Michael Hussey 69, Cameron White 89*, Ashish Nehra 2-57 )lost to India 292/5 in 48.5 overs Virat Kohli 118, Yuvraj Singh 58, Suresh Raina 71 not out; Clint McKay 3-55 ) by 5 wickets.
Record in last 5 ODIS : India 2, Australia 3
Field Marshals: They may no longer possess the same era with many of their star batsmen and bowlers gone, but the Aussies are still up there with one aspect of their game which has always give them the edge over others-fielding. The best examples of this was Steven Smith's brilliant catch and a runout he effected during their game against Sri Lanka at Colombo. In a KO, such brilliance could clinch the deal at a critical moment.
Deadly Duo: In Shane Watson and Michael Hussey, Australia have two all-time great ODI cricketers. 'Watto' can smash the bowlers around the park and play a big, match-defining knock, while Hussey can finish of an innings or a match with ease. Watson, arguably the best all-rounder of this tournament, will feed off his experience of playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Having missed out on the initial stages, Hussey would be hungry to get a big one now.
Pace Pack: In Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait, the Aussies have a lethal pace attack, that can trouble the best of batsmen. India, in fact, it could face their first big 'pace test' at Motera. While Lee and Tait will unleash searing pace, Johnson can move it around dangerously.
Big Match Experience: The Aussies have won three World Cups on the trot, four overall, and apart from that, have reached the finals twice. Skipper Ricky Ponting has played in four WC finals, and won three of them. The Aussies are masters in raising their game in big matches.
The numbers favour the Aussies
History: India have consistently raised their profile in the World Cup, from being the underdogs in the 1975 edition, to famously triumph in the 1983 Cup. Since then, they have been a force to reckon with. Australia made it to the finals in '75, and since then, they have turned into the team to beat in the World Cup. They completed a hat-trick of titles in 2007, and have clinched the crown four times. They have wona Cup in the sub-continent before, in 1987.
Big Blow: One of the biggest thrashings of the World Cup, particularly in a World Cup final, was Australia blowing India out by 125 runs at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on March 17. India goofed up at the toss, asking the Aussies to bat. Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting played one of the best innings of his career, and one of the best knocks ever in a WC final, as he smashed to power Oz to a huge total. A stunned India wilted under pressure.
Brief Scores: Australia 359/2 in 50 overs (Ricky Ponting 140*, Damien Martyn 88*, Adam Gilchrist 57; Harbhajan 2-49 ) beat India 234 in 39.2 overs (Virender Sehwag 82, Rahul Dravid 47, Glenn McGrath 3-52 ) by 125 runs.
Last Encounter: At Vizag, October 20, 2010
Brief scores: Australia 289/3 in 50 overs ( Michael Clarke 111*, Michael Hussey 69, Cameron White 89*, Ashish Nehra 2-57 )lost to India 292/5 in 48.5 overs Virat Kohli 118, Yuvraj Singh 58, Suresh Raina 71 not out; Clint McKay 3-55 ) by 5 wickets.
Record in last 5 ODIS : India 2, Australia 3
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