The Sydney Cricket Ground, which was under covers for most of the day on Tuesday owing to showers, beamed in broad daylight as the weather looked far better than what it was overnight. After a day’s break, Team India hit the ground running and geared up for the big semi-final.
Rohit Sharma, centurion in the quarter-final, addressed the media at the SCG and said the team would be looking to go with the same approach that has worked for them thus far and will treat it as any other game.
“Our approach won’t change from what it was before,” the opening batsman said. “We just have to stay in the present and look forward to the semi-final. We have played in big matches so we know what it takes to come out as a winner. Hopefully we will have a good start tomorrow. Whether we bat or bowl first, we have to start the game very well.
“As the game progresses, you'll see where you stand at that point in time and then think about it and analyze. The biggest thing for us is to stay in the present with the crowd and just enjoy the moment and focus on what we do. I'm sure we will all be prepared, geared up and ready to go.”
Talking about the pitch at the SCG, Rohit reckoned the spinners could come in to play. “If you look at the history, the spinners have done well here. Spin also played a huge part in the Test matches that we played in Australia. If the pitch assists the spin, I feel we have the spinners to do the job for us.”
The bowling working wonders in the tournament thus far was also a positive going into the semi-final against Australia, believed Rohit. “We have taken 70 wickets in seven games and the pacers and spinners have done their job well. Our spinners have really bowled well in the tournament. It is a good sign to go into the semi-final. I hope they can come out and do it tomorrow as well.”
When asked how he would be dealing with short stuff or the fiery pace of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson, Rohit said, “We know how important it is to have that opening partnership. It sets up the game for the others to come and bat. Our batsmen are batting well and we know what they are capable of. We have to stick to our strengths without thinking of what is happening at the other end. It will be important for the top three to click for the batsmen to follow.”
Over the last few days a lot has been spoken about sledging playing a big role when India and Australia face each other. James Faulkner and Aaron Finch were very clear that they won’t hold themselves back when it came to some banter and are bound to get a good response from their opposition as well.
“It is part of the game but I hope it doesn't cross the line,” Rohit said when asked if words will be exchanged between the two sides. “We all know as professional cricketers there are boundaries which we don't need to cross. As long as it is inside those boundaries, we will be fine.
“We need to stick to our game plan which is coming hard, and if there is a bit of banter going around, so be it. There will be times when you will see a lot of bowlers and fielders getting right in their faces.”
The SCG is expected to have a massive Indian contingent in the crowd that could well outnumber the home support. Rohit wished for the same as he said, “Considering the fact that Australia is playing in Australia, they get some support and people love their cricket here. We obviously get a lot of support wherever we go, so hopefully tomorrow again it will be more blue than yellow.”
Talking about India’s remarkable turnaround after a dismal Test and ODI series, Rohit said, the team was always ready to put the past behind and focus on the big goal - The World Cup. “When we finished the Test and ODI tri-series, none of the guys thought about going back. Now, we have to make the most of the last four months we spent here by working towards the semi-final and then the final. Our mission is to win the World Cup.”
