World Cup Preparation

[sydney-dog]

My Question

Has this series thus far been good preparation for the Aussies heading in to the world cup

My fear is, so far the Aussies have batted second in the majority of matches and chased small targets, yes it could be argued that on two occassions we did not chase that well, but I hope to see by the end of the series the Aussies get an opportunity to bat first and post a big score, or chase down a big score

[Rik E Boy]

All this talk about preperation is a bit of a worry. Our top order is not working. Even small totals give your top order the opportunity to bat and if we were getting these totals without loss or one down you (and Flanders) might have a point.

regards,

REB

[sydney-dog]

REB

I have been keeping an eye on the WI and IND series, last game both sides scored 300+, it's one day pressure cricket.

Both the POM's and NZ, lack talent, the POM's especially are just going through the motions, these games especially against England are nothing more then net sessions

Unless these sides can throw out a challenge, we wont see the Aussies at there best this series

[mal]

SYD EG + NZ dont neccessarily lack talent but do lack depth.

VAUGHAN
PIETERSON
TRESCOTHIK
these 3 guys are talented and are sorely missed
they are irreplaceable.
AU has insurmountable depth
AU can give MACGRATH and BRACKEN a rest and still bowl EG FOR 110

NZ is a good team and will provide resistance[they were a whisker away from
winning the 2nd o/d game]
They started the tour without
MILLS
STYRIS
ORAM
ASTLE oops sorry he did play apparently.

If the NZ top order can perform watch out.

[rod_rooster]

SYD EG + NZ dont neccessarily lack talent but do lack depth.

VAUGHAN
PIETERSON
TRESCOTHIK
these 3 guys are talented and are sorely missed
they are irreplaceable.
AU has insurmountable depth
AU can give MACGRATH and BRACKEN a rest and still bowl EG FOR 110

NZ is a good team and will provide resistance[they were a whisker away from
winning the 2nd o/d game]
They started the tour without
MILLS
STYRIS
ORAM
ASTLE oops sorry he did play apparently.

If the NZ top order can perform watch out.

Not to mention that NZ have the best captain in world cricket by a long way. Add to that a class spinner in Vettori and a class quick in Bond. Their best could push most sides but unfortunately they rely too heavily on too few far too often.

[Rik E Boy]

REB

I have been keeping an eye on the WI and IND series, last game both sides scored 300+, it's one day pressure cricket.

Both the POM's and NZ, lack talent, the POM's especially are just going through the motions, these games especially against England are nothing more then net sessions

Unless these sides can throw out a challenge, we wont see the Aussies at there best this series

Agree about the Poms Syd as they were ranked 8 in One Day cricket and as mally has pointed out they have since lost more than a few players. As for New Zealand, I think they are a lot better than you give them credit for. Remember, they qualified for the Semi Finals of the Champions trophy recently. The reason why India and West Indies series is more competitive than what we are currently seeing is that these teams are evenly matched (at least in terms of one day cricket), and at this point in world cricket no team is evenly matched with Australia, which is why I'm not worried about our chances in the world cup and the 'poor preparation' factor.

regards,

REB

[magpie in the 80's]

watching sbs tonight brought a story of the netherlands preparing for the world cup. coached by ex queensland spinner peter cantrell, they were training on hockey fields in blustery -2 degrees. they say its hard for the northern minnows when the pro's (as they put it) were playing tournaments in aust, pakistan and west indies. they play aust, sth. africa and scotland in their group. hoping for a win against scotland their main aim