A fiery contest is expected at the SCG on Thursday when Australia take on India in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup. Never ones to shy away from confrontation, Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News sports editor Andrew Piva give their thoughts on the highly anticipated match.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speedy: You know what they reckon about the cricket on Thursday? They say there are going to be more Indian fans at the SCG than Australians. Can you believe that?
Andrew: I can, to be honest. It’s been one of the features of this World Cup – the crowds supporting the subcontinent teams. I remember watching the match between Australia and Sri Lanka a couple of weeks ago on television and wishing I was there in person. It’s been a while since I’ve thought that about a cricket game. What can I say? I have a comfortable couch and don’t like queuing for the toilet.
Speedy: It should be a good game, Australia v India. There’s a bit of history between those sides. It could get a bit fiery.
Andrew: I’m counting on it. It’ll be like asking you to pay for a round – lots of swearing and angry finger pointing.
Speedy: Probably, but you hope it doesn’t go over the top.
Andrew: True, but I don’t know where that line is anymore. I’m not sure the players or umpires do either. Were you a sledger, Speedy? You’re a witty fella. I’m sure you came up with a few cutting one-liners back in your playing days.
Speedy: No fear. All the other blokes were bigger than me. I used to walk out wearing shoulder pads when I went out to bat, just to be safe.
Andrew: As long as you remembered your box and looked after little Speedy, that’s the main thing.
Speedy: That’s big Speedy, thank you very much.
Andrew: I’ll take your word for that. But back on topic, who’s going to win – Australia or India?
Speedy: Of course I’m going to pick Australia, but India haven’t lost a game all tournament. They’ve got Dhoni, Kohli, Sharma – their batting’s probably stronger than ours.
Andrew: Our bowling attack is better, though. If there’s a bit in the pitch, we can rough them up a bit.
Speedy: What about the other semi between New Zealand and South Africa?
Andrew: I wouldn't be surprised if New Zealand got up. It’ll be decided by the time this appears in the paper, but could you imagine an Australia v New Zealand final? Maybe we could dust off Trevor Chappell. He’d come in handy against Brendon McCullum.
Speedy: Hah! Probably. Look, New Zealand have always been my dark horses, but I’ll tip South Africa.
