World Cup S/F 2, Australia vs India, March 26

[Arthur Crabtree]

It's the end of a long season. but i remember at the start of it, low crowds were explained as people waiting for the WC.

Of course, BB crowds were outstanding.

My impression of Australia (from my brief visit) was that it is a place of developed regional pride, which no longer really exists in UK. Maybe the BB mines that.

[KipperJohn]

My impression has always been that whilst the Aussies love their cricket, it's no match for Aussie Rules when it comes to local sporting rivalry - even if local means a heck of a long way!

Of course I'm biased but interesting that the WC started and ends in Melbourne - another victory over Sydney in the sporting venue stakes?

[Arthur Crabtree]

I'm uncertain where my balance and checks of sentimentality and resentment lay with this contest. There has been a feeling of destiny about an Australia v New Zealand final going back to the start of the competition (though South Africa probably started ahead of NZ). And who can deny destiny. But on the other hand, the World Cup needs an unexpected twist. South Africa beating NZ would feel like tolerating the drowning of puppies as an acceptable, unforseen plot development. But India beating Australia could give the narrative a little boost.

With India there is always the confusion over exactly what kind of dog they are. The top dog with the financial teeth that devours the world game. Or the underdog that sleeps by the fire whenever they leave home shores. The India of the avaricious and unreliable administrators; or the India who are one of the most sporting teams out there on the field?

I've got a feeling that once the game starts, and Mitches 1 and 2 start to snarl and reveal their teeth, the subplot of Indian redemption and endurance following their drubbing at the hands of their hosts earlier in the summer, will sway me.

[Dr Cricket]

Have to let it run, don't cashout. It's only a fiver. That's like a pint nowadays. What's £1.88 good for? A freddo?

Not cashing out now because they not giving me much if they gave me back my stake + 5 pounds would have taken it.

[bigfluffylemon]

Hmmm. It is odd about the crowds, although the QF and SF being played on a weekday may not be helping. Melbourne sold out for Australia-England as it always will, but the rest of Australia's group games were not that well attended - the game against Sri Lanka was the best, although there was very strong Sri Lanka support.

We all thought the SCG would help Sri Lanka more than it did. Most of the pitches in Australia haven't done anything like as much during the game as it's been suggested they would beforehand. Everyone says the tri-series is irrelevant, but I don't think so. India just haven't been able to find a way past Australia all summer. Their form might be a bit better now, but the players are the same. Australia should take this comfortably.

[andy]

anyone think OZ will pick Doherty for this game at the SCG?

[Arthur Crabtree]

They might think India play spin too well. But that really isn't the case.

[dan08]

Who would Doherty come in for? Johnson?

I know who the Indians would rather face...

[andy]

think they need a spinner at the SCG though, and you cant rely on Maxwell's bowling to get you 10 overs, also it's not particuarly consistent 'spin' either

[dan08]

think they need a spinner at the SCG though, and you cant rely on Maxwell's bowling to get you 10 overs, also it's not particuarly consistent 'spin' either

So who would he come in for then?

[Gingerfinch]

Hazlewood has bowled well, as has Starc, and you can't leave out Johnson.

[braveneutral]

Leave out Clarke.

[andy]

Hazlewood has bowled well, as has Starc, and you can't leave out Johnson.

why cant you leave out johnson..?? No one's un-droppable

[Red Devil]

Leave out Clarke.

I'd rather they left out Maxwell!

[GarlicJam]

I reckon they won't play Doherty.

It looked like it was going to spin in the Aus/SL game, but that wasn't a factor.