Switchblade Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/interviews/India-still-World-Cup-favourites-Clarke/articleshow/7669247.cms BANGALORE: India are still favourites to win the World Cup according to Australia's Michael Clarke despite being held to a tie by England and pushed hard before beating Ireland in the group stage. Co-hosts India have yet to lose in this World Cup as indeed do defending champions Australia, although they had to make-do with a no-result washout against Sri Lanka last weekend. India and Australia have been kept apart in a World Cup first round where the 14 competing teams are split into two pools of seven, with the top four in each going through to the quarterfinals. But that hasn't stopped Australia vice-captain Clarke keeping a close eye on India's progress. "India are still the favourites because they are playing games in their home conditions, I think they have got a very strong squad," said Clarke. "India playing at home are always favourites." Australia, bidding for a fourth straight World Cup title and fifth in all, have not lost a match at the tournament since 1999 but top-order batsman Clarke was cautious as to whether they could maintain that unbeaten run. "We are happy with the way we have been playing but it is a long, long way to go in the tournament." Australia have welcomed experienced Michael Hussey into their squad after the batsman, left out on account of a hamstring problem from which he has now recovered, was called-up to replace fast bowler Doug Bollinger. "Having a left-hander in the squad will surely help," Clarke said of Hussey. "You have to be experienced no matter what the conditions are. "He has played a lot of cricket in the subcontinent and he is going to play a huge part (in the World Cup). "So far the guys in the middle-order haven't had much of an opportunity but this is just the start of the tournament and experience in the middle-order will surely help as the tournament goes on. "In the past he has shown us he can go out and win games on his own in any form of the game. So I am very confident that having Hussey around is going to help us." By the time Australia face Kenya at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Sunday it will be a week since they took the field for their rain-affected clash against Sri Lanka. However, Clarke insisted having time to spend honing your game was always a plus point when in India. "I think the most important thing while playing in the subcontinent is to improve your skill to play in these conditions. "As the tournament goes on I think spin is going to play an important part and obviously we have seen reverse-swing as well. I think, as a batsman, when you get to a training session you are working on those sorts of things."
Dinx - the Jinx Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 yeah. we know it. try topping your group first. right now you're at 4
siccric Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 this is said about India in every tournament these days, but their bowling has got to improve by quite a bit before they can win. There is only so much ZAK can do.
Bradman99 Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 yeah. we know it. try topping your group first. right now you're at 4 I think this will be tougher for India to do actually.. Aus still have 3 games to go, against Kenya, Canada and Pakistan.. Win those 3, we will finish 1st.
ganeshran Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 LOL India are not favorites to win it, not with this bowling attack. IMO Aussies and Saffers are still favorites for the title. That being said, I want India to win and the players to give their 100% regardless of whether they win or not.
Aniruddha Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 game against Pak will decide how much Aussies can go in this WC, as AUS/SL game washed out their batting line-up is yet to face world class spin bowling
Zap_Brannigan Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 yeah. we know it. try topping your group first. right now you're at 4 They are at 4 only because they have played only 2 games and another washed out. They are favorites to top their group. Will you stop talking if they do that?
pinkfreud Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 LOL India are not favorites to win it' date=' not with this bowling attack. IMO Aussies and Saffers are still favorites for the title.[/quote'] +++
EwanMacKenna Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 Is playing at home a good or bad thing for India. There must be unreal pressure on those players...
Switchblade Posted March 10, 2011 Author Posted March 10, 2011 Is playing at home a good or bad thing for India. There must be unreal pressure on those players... + point is the support which these guys get _ve is the amount of expectations if u dont do well then few of the crowd members start abusing the players yes they are under pressure but MS says that they take it as a challenge
Little_Master Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 I think Ind, SL and Aus have a good chance at winning this WC. Ind will have to improve their bowling and fielding for sure if they would like to beat teams like AUS or SL in the KO stage. Clarke is being modest....wonder what Punter thinks :punter:
dnmaru Posted March 10, 2011 Posted March 10, 2011 India will win the World CUP !!!! La De World Cup Cricket [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWaU_29Fdfc]YouTube - La De World Cup Cricket.wmv[/ame]
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