David EdwardsAustralia Undefeated Yet Still Want ‘Simpler Wins’
January 29th 2007 12:48
While most of cricket fans are still stunned at how after being in a such a prominent position yesterday against New Zealand they nearly lost their first one day match of the season, the players themselves have come out and commented that they are still keeping one eye on the Black Caps as a formidable opponent.
After destroying the bowling yesterday, and cruising to the ground record at the WACA of 5/343, they faced up against a serious contest against New Zealand, who despite an awe inspiring century of 70 balls from Jacob Oram narrowly lost the match by eight runs.
Today was another testament that how New Zealand performed in Perth, with two key players in the Australia squad, Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting, commenting on the performance. Gilchrist stated to the media how the Black Caps are a serious ‘dark horse’ in the Commonwealth Bank Tri Series Trophy, whilst Ponting lamented on his team’s performance, declaring that he prefers the ‘simpler wins’ they have experienced this season.
First of all, I think Gilchrist is on the money about New Zealand. They are definitely the second team to watch this series, and whilst England are dismal with no hope of recovering, the Black Caps have the ability, and above all the confidence, to destroy the chance of an undefeated season for Australia.
However, from what Ponting stated today, I think the furthest thing Australia needs at the moment is a summer of simpler wins. We are only a few months away from the most important tournament on the one-day calender, the World Cup, and the one thing the squad does not need is a complacent attitude going into such an important series.
There is no doubt that Australia will be one of, if not the biggest, powerhouse going into the competition, and if there has ever been a time where Australia needs to be tested time and time again, it is right now in the series.
If we think back just 18 months ago, we have to remember that resting on our laurels is what loses us trophies. Going into the Ashes in England in 2005, we were able to annihilate them in the first test, but when they recovered and actually put up a fight, we could comprehend it, and with that went the Ashes.
Luckily we were able to draw this back this summer, but it must be a lesson learnt. When Australia thinks they have the victory in the bag that is when the wheels fall off the wagon.
With the World Cup looming, I personally welcome any challenges the Black Caps set. Not only does it make us more confident and stronger going into such an important season of one day cricket, but it might also teach the squad the important fact that when a side seriously challenges them in the limited overs match, then they have the talent, ability, and above all the confidence to rise above it for victory.
Plus it does not hurt letting us loyal supporters watch an interesting game every now and again.
Until next time, sports minds.
After destroying the bowling yesterday, and cruising to the ground record at the WACA of 5/343, they faced up against a serious contest against New Zealand, who despite an awe inspiring century of 70 balls from Jacob Oram narrowly lost the match by eight runs.
Today was another testament that how New Zealand performed in Perth, with two key players in the Australia squad, Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting, commenting on the performance. Gilchrist stated to the media how the Black Caps are a serious ‘dark horse’ in the Commonwealth Bank Tri Series Trophy, whilst Ponting lamented on his team’s performance, declaring that he prefers the ‘simpler wins’ they have experienced this season.
First of all, I think Gilchrist is on the money about New Zealand. They are definitely the second team to watch this series, and whilst England are dismal with no hope of recovering, the Black Caps have the ability, and above all the confidence, to destroy the chance of an undefeated season for Australia.
However, from what Ponting stated today, I think the furthest thing Australia needs at the moment is a summer of simpler wins. We are only a few months away from the most important tournament on the one-day calender, the World Cup, and the one thing the squad does not need is a complacent attitude going into such an important series.
There is no doubt that Australia will be one of, if not the biggest, powerhouse going into the competition, and if there has ever been a time where Australia needs to be tested time and time again, it is right now in the series.
If we think back just 18 months ago, we have to remember that resting on our laurels is what loses us trophies. Going into the Ashes in England in 2005, we were able to annihilate them in the first test, but when they recovered and actually put up a fight, we could comprehend it, and with that went the Ashes.
Luckily we were able to draw this back this summer, but it must be a lesson learnt. When Australia thinks they have the victory in the bag that is when the wheels fall off the wagon.
With the World Cup looming, I personally welcome any challenges the Black Caps set. Not only does it make us more confident and stronger going into such an important season of one day cricket, but it might also teach the squad the important fact that when a side seriously challenges them in the limited overs match, then they have the talent, ability, and above all the confidence to rise above it for victory.
Plus it does not hurt letting us loyal supporters watch an interesting game every now and again.
Until next time, sports minds.
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