David EdwardsSemi Finals Heats Up the Summer Comp
October 31st 2006 10:32
Well it was definitely a hard week for the Australian cricket squad. Not only did they have an early scare going down to the West Indies in their opening squad game, but they opening batsman Shane Watson went into hospital with what he was fearing was an heart attack, whilst many former cricketers and pundits were flying criticism around about our aging squad.
But it seems that they have put this all behind us. After the shocking loss to the Windies, which in the end turned out not so shocking as they ended up in the other semi-final, they were able to turn it on against the rest of their opponents. England saw what we could be made of come Ashes time, and when push came to shove, not even the home town themselves could keep us out of the finals.
But now we are to face up against our local foes, the Kiwis. As luck would have it, it seems to enter the final for the ICC Champions Trophy the Australian will have to win at the ANZAC match, and personally I could not think of a better way.
First of all, when it comes to one-day cricket, New Zealand really do know how to play the game. They have for some time held a really well-rounded squad. Its aggressive in batting and fielding when needs be, and their bowling is in-depth enough for most sides to fall victim at one stage or another.
Now I am not saying that they are better than us at cricket, far from it, but from recent history we can see that they do make a worthy opponent. Like the Poms who know how to perform in Tests, the Kiwis can do it in 50 overs or less.
Second of all, it is really a warm-up to the Tri Nation Series this summer. When many people are looking forward to the Ashes against our oldest rivals, it is the one-day competition that might hold the best competition.
Whilst England are not well-known for their one day squad, they have improved in leaps and bounds over the last year or so, and in fact might be able to stand up for a few rounds. New Zealand on the other hand are also strong coming over, and will give all of us a run for our money. In essence, I think we are looking at one of the best tournaments this country has held for quite some time.
Finally, the Australian squad have talked themselves up about improving over the last few games, which is true, and that their squad can stand up to anything, which is the half-truth. But in the end they are only as good as their last game, and their next opponent will be looking on with glee. The matches between these two sides are always action packed, and on a such a large stage with so much at stake, you will see the action heat up even more.
It will be a great match to see, and personally I think the sides that claims victory will not only take the ICC Champions Trophy, but might be champions during our summer as well.
Until next time, sports minds.
But it seems that they have put this all behind us. After the shocking loss to the Windies, which in the end turned out not so shocking as they ended up in the other semi-final, they were able to turn it on against the rest of their opponents. England saw what we could be made of come Ashes time, and when push came to shove, not even the home town themselves could keep us out of the finals.
But now we are to face up against our local foes, the Kiwis. As luck would have it, it seems to enter the final for the ICC Champions Trophy the Australian will have to win at the ANZAC match, and personally I could not think of a better way.
First of all, when it comes to one-day cricket, New Zealand really do know how to play the game. They have for some time held a really well-rounded squad. Its aggressive in batting and fielding when needs be, and their bowling is in-depth enough for most sides to fall victim at one stage or another.
Now I am not saying that they are better than us at cricket, far from it, but from recent history we can see that they do make a worthy opponent. Like the Poms who know how to perform in Tests, the Kiwis can do it in 50 overs or less.
Second of all, it is really a warm-up to the Tri Nation Series this summer. When many people are looking forward to the Ashes against our oldest rivals, it is the one-day competition that might hold the best competition.
Whilst England are not well-known for their one day squad, they have improved in leaps and bounds over the last year or so, and in fact might be able to stand up for a few rounds. New Zealand on the other hand are also strong coming over, and will give all of us a run for our money. In essence, I think we are looking at one of the best tournaments this country has held for quite some time.
Finally, the Australian squad have talked themselves up about improving over the last few games, which is true, and that their squad can stand up to anything, which is the half-truth. But in the end they are only as good as their last game, and their next opponent will be looking on with glee. The matches between these two sides are always action packed, and on a such a large stage with so much at stake, you will see the action heat up even more.
It will be a great match to see, and personally I think the sides that claims victory will not only take the ICC Champions Trophy, but might be champions during our summer as well.
Until next time, sports minds.
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