ICCCT2006: 1st Semi Final - Aus v NZ

[m_vaughan]

I think you're all going overboard with this whole "Bond Factor" thing i mean come on the guy has hardly played any cricket in the last 3 years and hes about to come up against the strongest batting lineup in limited overs cricket.

As for the result i think the Australians should overpower the kiwis, nz always put in a good performance against their "older brother" but australia have had the wood over them recently and really seem to be hungry to win this tournament.

True but as this tournament has shown its all down to who plays better on the day. Australia are a better side no doubt but the Kiwiz are capable of causing an upset.

If I remember correctly, in 2004, England ended some long losing streak, when they beat the Aussies in the semi-finals of this very competition.

 

[evertonfan]

I want New Zealand to win this match and I also think that they will actually win. Fleming has batted sensationally well in the tournament so far and I can see him making a 100 here. Having said that, Watson and Martyn look on top form but neither side really has a bowler on top form so I think this could be a game won with the bat rather than the ball.

 

[irottev]

As for the result i think the Australians should overpower the kiwis, nz always put in a good performance against their "older brother" but australia have had the wood over them recently and really seem to be hungry to win this tournament.

Definatly. As Ponting said, no excuses.

We are capable but Australia is the better side. The West Indies beat Australia this tournament, why can't it happen again?

We need to exploit Watson as an opener and get him early. Take him and Johnson for some runs too. Players like McGrath we need to be respecting of.

Our boys are looking forward to it and will be giving it their all. I hope it's a good game.

 

[aussie1st]

Heres the Bond story.
http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/266333.html

Definitely not fine, he won't be fully fit as stated in the article and on the News in NZ.

 

[irottev]

Heres the Bond story.
http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/266333.html

Definitely not fine, he won't be fully fit as stated in the article and on the News in NZ.

"Bond bowled ten overs against Pakistan after managing only seven against Sri Lanka and Bracewell said he showed no signs of the problem, despite increasing his workload at practice this week. "He seems to be coming on well," Bracewell said. "

I fail to see where it says he is injured.

-> Heres a news story which says Fleming is confident that he will be fit.

http://xtramsn.co.nz/sport/0,,12026-6505833,00.html

What you heard or saw must have been exaggerated.

 

[aussie1st]

Shane Bond, their fast-bowling spearhead, was not completely fit but Stephen Fleming was hopeful of him recovering in time for the game.

Shane Bond picked up a hamstring twinge in the last game so the practice today is pretty important for him and for us. So we'll know more about that but we're hopeful he'll be alright. We'll assess it this evening.

Hamstring twinge is an inury in my book. I'm not saying he won't play but geez this boy always picks up injuries just before our show down.

 

[jazz]

Hamstring twinge is an inury in my book. I'm not saying he won't play but geez this boy always picks up injuries just before our show down.

dont worry even if he misses tomorrows game, he will atleast have a chance playing in the vb series or chappel hadlee series

 

[moza1]

What time does the game start Australian time.

 

[ZexyZahid]

I will be looking forward towards this.

And nobody mentioned this, but I think Martyn will play again a key role. I am happy for him that the Australian Cricket board didn't finish up his international career completely.

 

[irottev]

I am happy too Zexy. I like Martyn. When he is in good touch he is one of those players who is great to watch.

If you go by the time I post this, the game starts in 4 hours time.

 

[aussie1st]

Just heard of the radio from Murray Deaker that Bond is definitely playing and Styris is as expected not playing. So good to see Bond finally lining up against us, it's been too long between drinks.

 

[irottev]

It will be interesting to see how the Aussies play him. Whether they go for it or respect it. Gilchrist, I'm sure will need to score off one of the bowlers. If Mills bowls tight as he has in the other matches it could cause some good tension and pressure early up. I want to see Aussies bat first.

Then with Oram to come afterwalds who has also been tight and Vettori, someone who the Aussies usually respect and play with care then hopefully Patel.

I fear the Aussies could cart Franklin around the park.

It wouldn't surprise me if the aussies went out and tried to bash Bond around a bit. It will be his death bowling where it will be more difficult.

My main concern is the top order, especially if we are put in and lose early wickets. Putting us on the backfoot early could cause a collapse. I honestly believe our attack can keep the Aussies to a getable total. Despite their batting line up.

I think Hussey vs Bond at the end could be a great battle which could happen. Probably the best finisher vs one of the best death bowlers.


-->>Just turned the page of my free National Bank calandar to November and low and behold it's a picture of Martyn out LBW. Fleming and McCullum with their arms up in appeal. Ehehehe.

 

[aussie_ben91]

It will be interesting to see how the Aussies play him. Whether they go for it or respect it. Gilchrist, I'm sure will need to score off one of the bowlers. If Mills bowls tight as he has in the other matches it could cause some good tension and pressure early up. I want to see Aussies bat first.

Then with Oram to come afterwalds who has also been tight and Vettori, someone who the Aussies usually respect and play with care then hopefully Patel.

I fear the Aussies could cart Franklin around the park.

It wouldn't surprise me if the aussies went out and tried to bash Bond around a bit. It will be his death bowling where it will be more difficult.

My main concern is the top order, especially if we are put in and lose early wickets. Putting us on the backfoot early could cause a collapse. I honestly believe our attack can keep the Aussies to a getable total. Despite their batting line up.

I think Hussey vs Bond at the end could be a great battle which could happen. Probably the best finisher vs one of the best death bowlers.


-->>Just turned the page of my free National Bank calandar to November and low and behold it's a picture of Martyn out LBW. Fleming and McCullum with their arms up in appeal. Ehehehe.

That was a cheeky last comment.

I'd love to see Ponting or Gilchrist or any other Australia batsman really take it to Bond and hammer him around the park and tear apart his figures. It probably won't happen but it would be nice, just to rub it in to you.

 

[irottev]

Hey, it's a game. I wouldn't do the same, as in be utterly arrogant towards another member.

-> New Zealand won the toss and are having a Bowl!

Good stuff! Just what I wanted to see!

 

[brad352]

Amazing stuff this, Watson out playing a dodgy pull shot. Never seen that before