The Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said that Pakistan was a dangerous side, as his team is all set to face the Men in Green today in their Group A match of the ICC World Cup 2011 at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia will have to be at the top of their game, as Pakistan has the talent and ability to take the fight to them.
Sharing his view point about the match, Ponting commented that the World Cup is going to begin now for his team. The skipper said that they have always discussed Pakistan’s potential to win big games, as the team comprised of great talent, but it is quite difficult to pinpoint the main players in the opposition’s camp.
However, while highlighting the importance of the match, he said that Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi can easily be considered as the major performers of a team that is going to enter the field with many match winners. Ponting’s remarks reveal the way Australia will devise a strategy and approach the match against Pakistan.
Australia’s skipper said that his team has discussed Afridi’s ability to take complete control of the middle-overs, where he not only stops runs, but also picks up wickets. Ponting said, “He can really build up pressure and that is something we have watch out for. We have to make sure that we have to play him well and show the respect he deserves. He is a world-class bowler.”
Ponting went on to say that his team was planning to go out and play their best game of the tournament. The skipper said that his team was determined to top the group, and was not at all worried about whom they will be encountering in the quarter-finals.
As a skipper, Ponting, has not lost a World Cup cricket match since 2003. He is of the view that in order to be considered as a true champion, his squad must beat the top teams of the event. Sharing his feelings about the games his players have played so far, he said that his group has turned out to be rather uneventful for them, as compared to the other group. However, while facing Pakistan, he emphasized that he did not want to spoil his record of 34 unbeaten matches at the World Cup.
The Australian skipper, while concluding his remarks, said that his team has always been playing good games on big days and their upcoming match with Pakistan is one of them. He said, “We live to play on the edge. We want to be confronted with big situations in tournaments. When you reach the quarterfinals or semifinals, you make sure that you are prepared to play your best game of cricket. The last few world cups have been exactly like this.”
The game promises to an exciting battle, as the two teams fight it out for the top spot of their group. Australia will try to dominate the proceedings with their flawless cricket, as the unpredictable nature of Pakistan can create opportunities and problems as well. The Men in Green will have to come out with a positive frame of mind, if they are to have any chance against the Australians.
No comments:
Post a Comment