World Cup 2007 - Preview thread

[genghis_khan]

Yep they are far too conservative, I was actually surprised they took Tait to the WC. What our selectors need to think about is the variation factor, Clark will just be yet another hit the pitch bowler which we have a lot of already. If Lee is out we need either an express man or a swing bowler.

What do you mean by 'hit the pitch' bowler? McGrath and Johnson?

Another question...how much does the white ball actually swing in the West Indies?...can't say i've actually ever seen a cricket game being played there.

 

[aussie1st]

McGrath is the king of hit the pitch bowler. Johnson is a nothing bowler.

 

[evertonfan]

I think our team has been cursed. How do we expect to win with half our team missing?

Trescothick
Jones
Anderson
Vaughan
Pietersen
Lewis

We still managed to win the CBS finals so i'm sure you'll cope. :

 

[genghis_khan]

Johnson is a nothing bowler.

I know you're disappointed about today but that's rubbish right there.

 

[aussie1st]

It's not just today it's been a while now. I haven't see him swing the ball at all. Hes just another Clark at a slightly quicker pace. His ODI economy is over 5 his OD econ is almost 5.

 

[Leicester Fox]

the aussies migt not make it to the super 8's with Ryan ten Doeschate playing for the Dutch I don't think that Australia need to be to worried because it's much better to be in form at the end instead of the start

 

[evertonfan]

Australia will win the World Cup. They are still the best team in the world.

 

[Leicester Fox]

you're saying it like it's a fact! there's 15 other teams in it too you know!

 

[aussie1st]

Hes just doing his usual jinxing nothing to look into

 

[evertonfan]

Hes just doing his usual jinxing nothing to look into

I assure you i'm not. Australia are just too good when they have their players back. It doesn't help when you have junky bowlers like Watson and Johnson in your line-up but Australia are proven winners and proven champions. There are very little others if any who possess the same pedigree.

 

[ZexyZahid]

On their day the 8 Test nations can win a World Cup. But Australia is having a real bad preparation.

 

[puddleduck]

The thing is even if they have a dreadful series in NZ, whilst not necessarily the best captain to have out on the pitch to make that subtle tactical change, Ponting is one of the best people to have coming back into the side. To gee the players up again, get the drive going, and then lead from the front with the bat.

He is the form player by some distance in that Aussie side heading into the World Cup, and I wouldn't bet against him leading the way.

 

[Leicester Fox]

Anyone can win in the semi-finals and final so they are not nailed on to win it although they do perform in those pressure situaitions better.

 

[aussie1st]

The batting after Ponting is where the problem occurs, if he makes a 100 we should be fine but when he fails then we start seeing the weakened middle order who so far haven't handled the pressure too well. We have to keep our Hussey save us cards up our sleeves don't want him having to save us every game.

 

[Leicester Fox]

Symonds will make a huge difference and relly Hodge and Clarke should be good enough but they just haven't performed recently