And as the commentators intimated Smith is vulnerable at 3 - especially when chasing a big score.
The other question is - do the Aussies really need to go in with seven bowlers? Surely Coulter-Nile, Faulkner, Marsh (or Hastings), Watson, Zampa and Maxwell is enough?
Their top six could then be Finch, Khawaja, Warner, Smith, Maxwell & Watson with Marsh, Faulkner & Nevill to come.
Finch is in for Marsh and Hazlewood is in for Hastings.
Saffers go miles past 200 in their last knock and this time round they're 49-5 going at 5.65 runs an over ... and Chris Gayle has two wickets against them!
W.Indies real challengers for this, I reckon they'd do India - don't agree with Indians being favourites for the tournament, home 'advantage' is just pressure and they don't seem to be reading conditions any better than any other team. They will be working at 110% though, so I'm sure they'll make the semis/final.
Phew. This tournament has had an amazing number of tight finishes, and some surprisingly low scores too, as I normally presume that T20 pitches are designed to be more batsman friendly?
NZ are probably two decent players away from being unstoppable, a wicketkeeper with slightly betting batting abilities than Ronchi, and perhaps a 'better' all rounder more so in the batting side than Elliot. In terms of field set up and bowling attack they are brilliant. Real real good.
Elliot isn't the weak link batting-wise; Ross Taylor is not quite the destroyer other teams have in that slot (much as he played well today) and this somewhat distorts the perception of the line-up, even though they bat effectively down to 11. Their side has a wonderful balance. Really hoping they resist the temptation to shoehorn in Southee or Boult in the knockouts (barring a greentop); Sodhi especially has been a revelation. England will presumably have to find a way past them so long as today goes well - I'm really not sure what England's strategy in this tournament is beyond 'bat really well and hope Adil does something' so maybe if England bat first and rack up near on 200 then that might be the best hope.
If we beat SL, then i think we've got a good chance of beating NZ - i *think* its at Mumbai, which will mean a totally different pitch to what they've played on so far- quick, and not slow and low.
Comments
Shane Watson retiring from international cricket after the T20 World Cup
I really hope his final dismissal is LBW, it would be fitting
46-4
Miller plays inside the line and is bowled.
Saffers go miles past 200 in their last knock and this time round they're 49-5 going at 5.65 runs an over ... and Chris Gayle has two wickets against them!
What a sport.
Hales in for Vince.