This it is! The stage is set. It doesn’t get any bigger or better than this. The heartbeats have galloped ahead at quick pace. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the venue, which will grace the ICC World Cup 2015 final. Like the previous edition in 2011, the two hosts are all set to battle it out at the splendid MCG. Both, Australia as well as New Zealand have been utterly dominant, and a lot of credit for that feat is due for their respective skippers.
The 29th of March will be the most important day, in the lives of both the squad members. No player would want to end up on the losing side. It would be a classic case of the “so near yet so far” saga.
In this article, we analyze the possible factors, which the Australians must adhere to, if they are to be crowned as the World Champions for the fifth time.
1. One of the openers should stay till the end:
An important strategy used by successful ODI sides in recent times is to assign one of the openers the task of holding up one end and staying till the end. This allows the other opener to express himself freely and play his shots will full ease and comfort. Meanwhile, the opener assigned with the task will keep the run flow going and will also play safe. The Aussie opening pair of David Warner and Aaron Finch can surely take a cue from this. In all probability, it will have to be Aaron Finch, who would have to stay till the end. He was successful against India and held up one end. This allowed Steve Smith to play smoothly. Warner has been in the form of his life, and can set the tone from the first over itself. Hence, this seems to be an appropriate strategy.
2. Set an aggressive field for Hazlewood:
Josh Hazlewood has been excellent for Australia in this World Cup so far. His accuracy has impressed probably every cricket fan. Hazlewood’s consistency has awed viewers to such an extent that his comparison with the great Glenn McGrath has also been drawn. Hazlewood’s premier strength lies in pitching the ball on the middle and outside off line. He bowls at a decent pace, and can get the ball to seam and swing a bit. In Melbourne, there wouldn’t be a lot of swing. It becomes significant that Hazlewood utilizes his accuracy to cramp the Kiwi openers for the first ten to twelve overs. His accuracy may keep a check on the rampaging Kiwis, who may end up taking desperate measures and lose their wicket.
3. Clarke must lead with the bat as well:
Michael Clarke has been outstanding marshalling his troops and leading the side. But somehow, he hasn’t been able to translate that success in his batting. Clarke is a great timer of the ball, and has the ability to change gears with ease. His performance in the World Cup has been underwhelming. Against the Blackcaps, Clarke has a perfect opportunity lying ahead of him. It is always the dream of a captain, to perform in the World Cup final, and lead his side to glory. Clarke would want to surely live this dream. He can surely seek some inspiration from his friend MS Dhoni, who led his side to glory in the 2011 final.
4. Take inspiration from their group match against New Zealand:
Against New Zealand at the Eden Park, the Kangaroos did not get the desired result. But that was surely the most memorable and nerve wrecking game of the group stage. It was a low scoring thriller, where New Zealand ended up on the winning side. Mitchell Starc bowled his heart out and took a 6 for. The Aussies can take a lot of inspiration from that encounter. The way they fought back was simply stimulating. The Australian brand of cricket was on display in that encounter. Clarke can lead his side in the same way and give it his 100%. After all, giving your 100% in a World Cup final is something really special.
5. Get McCullum quickly:
In the first semi final at Auckland, Brendon McCullum made his intentions clear from the very first over. The way Brendon thrashed Dale Steyn, it was evident that McCullum was a man on a mission. He played as though he was possessed. Getting McCullum quickly will dictate the proceedings of the game to a great extent. If the Kiwi dasher is allowed to stay at the crease till the tenth over, then mayhem awaits the Aussies. No ground is small enough for McCullum. McCullum has had a few issues against the left arm quicks. It therefore becomes the duty of Starc and Johnson to get rid of the Kiwi skipper. Who knows, if McCullum stays for a considerable time, then the MCG might well be blown away by the “Bazz” storm.
Come the March the 29th, and we are in for a fitting finale. Only time will tell, which side gets to hold the glorious World Cup trophy.