The Hindu : Sport : Kiwis hope to end Australia's run

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Friday, Apr 20, 2007
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Kiwis hope to end Australia's run

ST. GEORGE'S (Grenada): Stephen Fleming's New Zealand will take a last shot before the World Cup semifinals to capture an impregnable Australian fort as they square up in the biggest Super Eight showdown on Friday.

Australia might have mowed down every opponent on its way to the semifinals but then the Kiwis are a different bunch, which even the World Champion is wary of.

Last time they met in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, New Zealand did an unbelievable job of whitewashing Australia 3-0, making the cricketing world think that the Aussies' invincibility aura was perhaps nearing its end.

Bouncing back

But Ricky Ponting's team has bounced back in the World Cup like a wounded tiger and has been relentless in beating the opposition with frightening frequency.

Australia will have no desire to take the foot off the accelerator as it faces its biggest hurdle and would be more eager to settle old scores.

With New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming giving a thumbs up to his pace ace Shane Bond, Friday's showdown could be the edge-of-the-seat affair.

Bond himself believes that the Kiwis can put Australia under the pump, provided they capitalise on the mistakes of the World champion.

``We always believe that if we can take Australia down to the last 10 overs of the game, then we have a chance. We showed that at home. We chased down big scores and got to the business end of the game when we were in with a chance."

PACE ACE: Kiwi spearhead Shane Bond could prove more than a handful for Australia. — PHOTO: AP

``It has made us feel positive. We could chase down two very big scores though I admit two months is a long time (since we met them).

``Even though a lot has changed, especially when it comes to their batting line-up, the Australian bowling was more or less the same,'' he said.

Those who missed out

In that series in February, Australia didn't have the services of Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds in its line-up.

Fleming, nevertheless, praised the Australians for the way they have gone about their business.

``Their bowling has been very good in this competition. They haven't allowed teams to make scores of 250.

``Somebody like Shaun Tait might go for runs but he nearly always picks up wickets which is a great advantage to have.

``It is also not just their openers who are aggressive. Their entire line-up is very capable. The strength of their top order is obvious,'' he said.

Oram ruled out

However the Black Caps suffered a blow as Jacob Oram has been ruled out of Friday's clash after suffering a recurrence of a heel injury, coach John Bracewell said. Bracewell insisted that the pace-bowling all-rounder would be fit for the semifinal.

``We will be going in with our strongest side for this particular game except Jacob Oram who won't be available because of a problem with his heel,'' Bracewell said.

Asked if Oram would be fit for the semifinal, Bracewell replied: ``Yes. That's one of the reasons why he's not playing. It's a precautionary thing.

The teams: (from) Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt.), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Brad Hogg, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (capt.), Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Jeetan Patel, Shane Bond, Mark Gillespie, Chris Martin, Michael Mason and Hamish Marshall.

Umpires: Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf.

Third umpire: Billy Doctrove; Match referee: Mike Procter.

Reserve umpire: Daryl Harper. — Agencies

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