The Hindu : Support for the Aussies even in Chennai

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

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Support for the Aussies even in Chennai

By S. Dinakar

From left: Ryan Campbell, Michael Hussey, Damien Wright and Brad Hodge, who are in Chennai as part of the Australian Cricket Board side, will be rooting for the Aussies in the World Cup final. — Photo: V. Ganesan.

CHENNAI March 22. `Go Aussie, Go' will be their refrain. A small bunch they might be, yet their support will be wholehearted.

In a sea of emotions that India will be during the high-voltage duel, these men will be swimming against huge waves. The prospect does not daunt them one bit.

The players from the Australian Cricket Board side are in Chennai, and they will be rooting for their mates when the World Cup final is held at the Wanderers on Sunday. From the land of the `enemy,' they will see their mates engage in what could turn out to be a fierce battle.

The Hindu caught up with four senior members of the squad — Ryan Campbell, Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge and Damien Wright — all of whom have represented the Australian `A' side.

The 31-year-old West Australian, Campbell, who has won two ODI caps, remembers the '99 World Cup final he watched from his home in Perth. "It will be no different this time. We will be egging them on.''

Indeed, the Aussies, will be viewing the final on the big screen at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. "Everyone wanted to see these two sides in the final,'' says Campbell and this is a feeling echoed by the other Aussies too.

Campbell, a wicket-keeper batsman, whose last appearance for Australia was against Sri Lanka at Perth in the VB triangular series this season, notes, "Australia is a tough side mentally. They are aggressive. The Aussies have no fears and back their own ability. It's a side where everyone enjoys each other's success. The Australians have always played their cricket hard, but with a smile.''

He observes the key to India's success in the competition has been the pace trio of Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, and Aashish Nehra — "they are three genuine pacemen. India lacked such an attack in the past.'' One of the reasons why he believes explosive opener and good friend Gilchrist will carry with him a lot of Aussie hopes.

His message to his mates is: "Hold your nerve and play your best.''

The 28-year-old Victorian Hodge, a middle-order batsman and an off-spinner, was saddened by the departure of his Statemate Shane Warne from the World Cup stage, following the positive drug test. "It was a massive disappointment. He is a good man, I know him. A lot of people still look up to him. I think he was victimised a bit,'' reveals Hodge.

However, the remarkable manner in which the Aussies have rallied in the competition has lifted his spirits. Hodge anticipates an exciting final — "Australia has been the finest bowling side, while India with Tendulkar, Sehwag and Dravid, is the best batting unit.''

He recalls watching the '99 final at Lord's from a Melbourne casino when the Aussies blew away Pakistan. "It will be a lot different this time. I mean we could be the only ones cheering the Aussies on. It's a funny feeling really.''

Mike Hussey, the talented 27-year-old middle-order batsman from West Australia, was excited at the prospect of a gripping summit clash. "We really want to see a good game of cricket. Two best teams in the game meeting. We would be tuning in for sure.''

And the 27-year-old Tasmanian paceman Damien Wright assures — "there will be plenty of noise from the 12 Australians here for sure.'' He was at an `Aussie' pub in Scotland, when Steve Waugh's warriors walloped Pakistan four years ago at Lord's. "This time it will be different. Like being on a packed stadium, where you are only ones egging your side on.''

Coming from Ricky Ponting's state, he sheds light on the Aussie captain. "He's absolutely brilliant. Very positive, good technician, great cricket brain. He gave me the confidence to believe in myself.'' The summit clash, as he sees it, will be a battle between Tendulkar and the battery of Australian bowlers. The Wanderers pitch he believes will suit the Aussie quicks.

Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, and Andrew Bichel, have been the revelations for Australia, according to the foursome. "Lee has added a new dimension to pace bowling in one-day cricket,'' says Hussey. "There were several eyebrows raised in Australia when Symonds was picked. They selected him on potential, as a match-winner'' observes Campbell. And all agree that Bichel has been lionhearted in his methods for Australia.

Come the `Big Sunday' and the Australians will be cheering their mates on from Chennai in what should be a `Clash of the Titans.' Alone in a crowd, but brave nevertheless.

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