The Hindu : Master plan to contain the `master'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 23, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Master plan to contain the `master'

London March 22. Australian batsman Michael Bevan has revealed that the Australians have ``one or two'' plans up their sleeves to contain Sachin Tendulkar in the World Cup final in Johannesburg, but did not divulge them.

Writing in the Guardian daily today, Bevan noted that there were not too many weaknesses one could exploit when one bowled to someone like Tendulkar.

``But we have identified one or two plans which hopefully will become evident during the course of the final. It's not for me to expand upon what those might be,'' he said.

He said though Australia and India were ``definitely'' the best teams in the World Cup, the Indians nine-wicket loss at the hands of the Aussies at Centurion would still be on their minds when they take the field on Sunday.

``Australia vs India definitely throws together the two outstanding teams of the tournament. Every victory we have achieved in the past six months has helped to keep teams in awe of us. That Centurion win against India was just another building brick in the wall.''

Bevan, a veteran of three World Cup finals, also said Sunday could be his last outing at cricket's biggest stage.

``There is a fairly strong chance that this will be my last World Cup, I suppose. No one can be certain how long their form and fitness can last,'' the 33-year-old said.

``But I've been fortunate enough to reach the final in each of my three World Cups and to repeat the achievement of four years ago would be a rewarding experience.''

Bevan, who has played 204 one-dayers, has an outstanding average of 54.65, second only to Ramnaresh Sarwan of West Indies — 55.69 from 34 matches. — PTI

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