Australia are the kings of limited overs cricket again after winning the World Cup final against New Zealand at the MCG on Sunday. While the game didn’t deliver on the hype, Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News sports editor Andrew Piva were happy to see Aussie captain Michael Clarke and his teammates put the Kiwis in their place.
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Andrew: I think I know how the New Zealand public felt when the All Blacks won the last Rugby Union World Cup in 2011.
Speedy: How do you mean?
Andrew: Relief – that's what I felt when Australia won the World Cup on Sunday. We don’t dominate international cricket the way the All Blacks dominate world rugby, but we’re the best team. To not prove it on Sunday would’ve been embarrassing.
Speedy: It was never in doubt. New Zealand played their final against South Africa in the semis. Once they lost Brendon McCullum in the first over on Sunday, it was all done and dusted.
Andrew: Dunno about that, Speedy. They fought back in the middle overs, but our bowling attack was relentless. Starc, Johnson, Hazlewood, Faulkner – there was no respite.
Speedy: Good on the Kiwis for making it that far, though. Some of my best mates are Kiwis, believe it or not.
Andrew: I’m sure you’re as popular as Trevor Chappell among the New Zealand fraternity. But let's talk about Michael Clarke. Are you surprised he pulled the pin on his ODI career?
Speedy: Not in the slightest. It was perfect timing. What better way to bow out?
Andrew: He picked his moment well. He's also left the team in good shape. Steve Smith will take over the captaincy, which will allow him to hone his leadership skills for when Clarke retires from Test cricket.
Speedy: He’ll do well, Smith. It's not like he’s got a team of duds.
Andrew: Speaking of duds – what happened to the Rabbitohs last Friday?
Speedy: Steady on.
Andrew: Beaten by the Eels. Is the South Sydney dynasty over already? Maybe I should buy you a Roosters membership.
Speedy: Don’t you bloody dare. There’s no need to worry about the Rabbitohs. It was the loss we had to have.
Andrew: Oh, so you're relying on that old nugget, are you? I’m sure Luke Foley is saying the same thing.
Speedy: Well, it’s true. You can’t play good every game. And credit has to go to the Eels. They played well.
Andrew: They did, and they’re well coached by Brad Arthur. I know for a fact Arthur really wanted the Cowboys job when it was up for grabs a few years ago, but the North Queensland board went with Paul Green. I reckon they could be having second thoughts now.
