SYDNEY: India still bear the scars of the mauling they suffered at the hands of Australia at the start of their tour Down Under and Steve Smith thinks it could be a factor when the countries meet in Thursday’s World Cup semi-final.
The world champions have stormed back to imperious form in the World Cup and are unbeaten going into the last four showdown at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where they will be out to end Australia’s bid for a fifth world crown.
From the start of December to early February, however, Australia simply dominated India, winning two and drawing two Tests and then beating them comfortably in a tri-series match and World Cup warm-up.
“I think we’ll have a little edge over them with a few scars from the matches throughout the Summer,” Smith told reporters at the SCG on Tuesday. “I think that’s going to be playing on their mind a little bit.”
Australia face Doherty dilemma
With two confident teams going head-to-head in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final, it could be the tiniest misjudgement, the smallest detail that decides whether Australia or India emerge triumphant.
Disregarding perhaps only the toss, Australia’s biggest decision is likely to be whether to include spinner Xavier Doherty in their side to face the world champions.
Much will depend on the pitch, which on Tuesday was covered by a huge white blanket as rain tumbled down on the SCG.
If, as coach Darren Lehmann expects, it is a similar track to that on which Australia beat Sri Lanka in the pool stage, Doherty’s contribution might be restricted to handing out water bottles.
If, however, it is more similar to the pitch on which spinners Imran Tahir and JP Duminy took seven wickets in South Africa’s quarter-final win over the Sri Lankans, Doherty might be set for his second start.
The committee that meets to decide which players Clarke will lead on Thursday may decide that Australia’s part-time slow bowlers — Glenn Maxwell, Smith, David Warner, even Clarke himself — have enough quality to carry the load.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2015.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
The post ‘Summer mauling to prey on India’s mind’ appeared first on The Express Tribune.