The World Cup has entered the decisive stage and the showpiece part of the tournament is at our doorstep. Australia and New Zealand are the finalists not because of the fact that they are co-hosts. They were two of the best teams going into the tournament and have lived up to that reputation. Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia, is a magnificent setting to what promises to be a cracker of a game.
Australia and New Zealand met once in what turned out to be the best game of the tournament; the next being the New Zealand-South Africa semifinal thriller. Australia’s only loss came against New Zealand, which has remained unbeaten right through.
Historically, Australia has had some wonderful talent and a system which breeds champions. Its performances in World Cups are mind-boggling and I am not surprised to see it in yet another final.
New Zealand’s journey has been a story of a captain who has created a culture of immense belief in oneself and the rest, crafted a way of cricket which has set the benchmark and won a legion of supporters. In Brendon McCullum, the team has a genial, yet hard-as-nails bloke, a captain who backs his teammates to the hilt.
Doubts have been raised over the Kiwis replicating their batting heroics on a big ground such as Melbourne and it is well founded too as the huge MCG can be intimidating for the faint-hearted. But I am sure McCullum & Co. are up to the challenge as good shots are good shots wherever you play them.
Sunday might be the last time one gets to see one of the finest left-arm spinners in the modern game and a dear friend — Daniel Vettori — playing One Day International cricket. He has been a glorious ambassador not only for the players of his ilk but also the entire nation. Always unassuming and soft spoken, he has never been seen craving attention on any count. Vettori’s career has been plagued by back injuries, but he has always come up trumps and never allowed the pain to affect his effectiveness.
I make no secret of my loyalty and support to New Zealand because it has always played its cricket with great dignity. I am a big fan of McCullum and believe New Zealand has been the best team right through this World Cup. I hope the team I am backing wins.
