Tempers will flare and words will be exchanged, after all, this is Australia versus India in the semi-final of a World Cup.
The intensity between both sides was there to be seen in the Tests and ODI tri-series and it will be no different come Thursday, reckons Australia all-rounder James Faulkner. “Sledging is part of the game and if there isn’t some, you’ve got problems. It is the semi-final and it is going to be cut-throat and there are going to be words said. It is going to be a really tough contest and both teams I suppose won’t be backing down. You are going to see two very good teams coming up against each other in a couple of days’ time and it should be a very good spectacle.”
India didn’t have the best of times in the recently concluded Tests and ODI tri-series, but in the World Cup the same team has gone on to register seven wins in a row on their march to the semi-finals. Faulkner was appreciative of it and felt India’s long stay in the country has helped them acclimatize, which has translated into performances.
“We have come up against them a hell lot in the last 12-18 months and they have spent a fair bit of time in the country and adapted well to the conditions,” Faulkner said. “There is no surprise that they are up against us in the semi-final. They are a very strong team and I think we are as well. It is going to be a great contest.”
Also, India’s splendid run in the World Cup came as no surprise for Faulkner. “I am not at all surprised that India are doing well. Every time we have come up against them it has been a very good game of cricket and it has gone right down to the wire,” he said. “If you go back on the Indian series when we were there, a lot of runs were scored and there were a lot of great chases. Likewise, when we have played them here, we have scored 300 and been there and thereabouts while chasing it. They are a good opposition and we are looking forward to Thursday. I think it is going to be a great occasion.”
Expect a full house on Thursday, one that will be dominated by a hoard of Indian fans who have extended their relentless support in every venue thus far. For Australia it could almost be like a game at home away from home. “The last game we played here definitely felt like that. The passion the Indian fans showed towards their cricket team is sensational. We are definitely expecting that come match-day.”
Talking about nerves before the big match, Faulkner said, “I think everyone is going to be nervous in their own little way and it is up to them how they want to deal with it. You could see a lot of nerves a couple of nights ago and I think that is good. Both teams are exposed and if you don’t have nerves, you have got issues.”
The all-rounder also expected it to be a high scoring game though he reiterated it was too early to comment on the pitch. “The wicket was very good when we played against Sri Lanka. We put up a 350-plus score and Sri Lanka in their run-chase scored 312. It was a great one-day wicket and I am expecting a lot of runs scored. When India and Australia have played in the past there have been lots of runs on offer and it will be no different come game day,” Faulkner said.
