The Hindu : Sport : Australia better prepared this time

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Wednesday, Oct 18, 2006
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Australia better prepared this time

It might be a low-scoring game on Wednesday, writes Glenn McGrath

KEY FIGURE: The West Indies would look to Chris Gayle to give it a blazing start and also contribute with his off-spin. — Photo: AP

Having been involved in the four Champion's Trophy tournaments played so far, I would say that we are better prepared this time. The earlier editions were all knockouts, and the current schedule allows a good side to get back after a bad game, which is a good thing. This is one trophy that has eluded us, and we are all committed to correct that record.

We have come here a week-and-a-half in advance and are well acclimatised to the heat and humidity. It helped that we had two useful practice games, and while the West Indies have a lot of match practice behind them, we are also ready to start our campaign.

We will be playing our first game at the Brabourne Stadium, where the game between New Zealand and South Africa on Monday turned out to be a low-scoring affair. It is never a happy sight to see a bowler-dominated game on a ground where you are up next.

Assistance to bowlers

There was too much assistance for the spinners in the second half, and there was prodigious swing for the fast bowlers right through the game. All this does not make it great for one-day cricket, but we are confident that if we play to our potential and execute our plans well, we will win the game.

In hindsight, I am sure that Graeme Smith will rue the fact that he put the Kiwis in. It's not good for the game when so much depends on the toss, but that's what happens on such wickets. As a bowler, most of the planning involves dislodging the talented top order West Indian batsmen.

Chris Gayle and Brian Lara hold the key to the fortunes of their team, and they have won quite a few games for their team with some remarkable batting. They have a steady, fast medium bowling attack, though Gayle's spin might be what Lara is relying on at the moment.

Low-scoring encounter

It might be a low-scoring game on Wednesday, but I feel that if we plan our innings well, we might get to 225, which will be a good total on this pitch. While we would expect one of the venues in India to be Mumbai, I am surprised that the regular venues have not been used. Coming to India and not playing at the Eden Gardens is like going to England and not playing at Lord's. It is a little strange that Kolkata's beautiful arena is not part of a showpiece event like the Champions Trophy, and many players are sad to miss the electric atmosphere that is so unique to Eden Gardens.

It is also sad to see Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. I would not like to comment until more details emerge from Pakistan.

Having played against Akhtar quite a few times, I really feel for the guy. However, rules are rules and both these bowlers will have to wait a few days to see what lies in store for them.

Gameplan

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