Beyond the boundary - The Lull Before The Storm (4 June 1999)

4 June 1999

Beyond the boundary - The Lull Before The Storm

Shakil Kasem

This is Darwinism at its best. A touch of the existentialist, and shades of Jurassic Park. The two titans of the game who have fallen on hard times recently, cross swords today, to determine who lives to tell the tale of heroism and valour. For that is exactly what this contest has boiled down to. A shame really, that either India or Australia would have to part company with the rest of the world, when stumps are drawn.

Australia have never looked the part in this World Cup. They had been playing in fits and starts and have been distinctly fortunate to be where they are at the moment. To cut through the fat and get to the point, they have hardly looked like the world-beaters that the bookies have made them out to be.

Glenn McGrath, supposedly the meanest man in the business with the new ball, never did get to fire until the very last group match. Much was expected of him then, and much more is expected of him now. Australia would be hard done by if he does not deliver today. Basically, he needs to deliver a simple package, the scalp of one Sachin Tendulkar, on a platter. His skipper would be more than happy to let him have the rest of the year off, if he does just that. The work is cut out. Simple. Really.

Australia would be looking to Mark Waugh to find some of his silky touch today. In full flight he is a joy to watch. Whenever Mark Waugh has got his customary 70-80 odd, the Australians have struck oil. Australia needs to match India head to head on runs, whether they bat first or last. A big solid start is essential for the later order to capitalise on. Michael Bevan would likely be the proverbial thorn in India's side, for he combines an irritating ability of crafty slogging with a temperament for a long innings. Batting first should suit the Australians better because their superior fielding may hold the cards for an outcome in their favour.

On paper India boasts the best batting line-up. In this competition they have proved it as much. No other team has averaged more runs per match as the Indians have. In Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly, they have two batsmen in the pink of form. Runs are expected here. Sachin Tendulkar has had a quiet World Cup until now. The dam is due to burst. Bowlers have so far managed to keep him on a leash, for one reason or another. Someone is likely to have to pay for it. Only the fact that the Indian think tank has still not sorted the question of his position in the batting order, could be to Australia's advantage. World's best batsman or not, the Aussies are ready to give him twenty-odd overs, rather than the fifty he normally wants, any day.

India prefers fielding last. In spite of a rather lopsided bowling attack, they have performed creditably over the years. In their own unassuming ways Srinath,, Prasad and Kumble have knocked over a few in their time. Strange but true.

India's hopes of proceeding any farther in this competition, rest on their batsmen's ability to post somewhere in the region of 280 plus. It would need all of Azhar's famed luck and one innings of substance from his bat, to enable the team to reach the safety of the shallows. Azhar is the captain of this ship, and he has sailed this route before. More than ever before, he needs to call upon all the help and blessings he can possibly garner, if his team is likely to go anywhere after this match. There is very little room at the top now, and two is definitely a crowd.

Source :: The Daily Star