Melbourne: Will the Cricket World Cup have a new champion on Sunday? It’s the big talking point on the eve of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final when New Zealand meet Australia at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Not since 1996 when Sri Lanka emerged triumphant, has the World Cup seen a first-time champion. The final is not a new experience for seven-time finalists Australia, but it certainly is for New Zealand who have stunned everyone by remaining unbeaten so far in this tournament, including beating Australia in the pool stage. It is due to this spirited performance that almost every fan other than the Australians are backing New Zealand here.
For New Zealand, a country where rugby dominates over cricket, a World Cup triumph can usher in more people into the game. They are also a team that does not resort to sledging as one of their weapons to win matches, but present themselves as models of outstanding sportsmanship. One of the most enduring moments in this World Cup, of course, was that of George Elliot lending a helping hand to South African pacer Dale Steyn and consoling him after hitting him for a six in the semi-final.
Today’s final is also being seen as a classic ‘big brother versus little brother’ battle. The two sides have never played each other at MCG for a Boxing Day Test in 27 years. Also, the New Zealanders haven’t played an ODI in Australia since 2009 when they split a four-game series. In fact, five of the top New Zealand cricketers: Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Luke Ronchi have yet to play a 50-over match here. A victory for New Zealand could possibly change the so-called apathy of the Australians towards them.
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has even remarked: “This is the best time of our lives, it’s not to be daunted and to be scared of; it’s a time to enjoy, embrace and soak up. We’re all excited. It’s great to be here.”
McCullum is fully aware that the whole cricketing world is backing him. “I think it’s probably no secret that most of the other teams around the world would probably want New Zealand to win over Australia. So hopefully we’ll get a good smattering of support tomorrow, and I’m sure the Indian guys will certainly be rooting for us,” he said, referring to the fact that most tickets have been brought by Indians who were hoping their team to be in the final.
Australian skipper Michael Clarke has candidly admitted that this New Zealand is not the same as before and hence labelled them as the in-form team. He was, however, not willing to accept them as the favourites though: “I believe if we play our best, we can beat New Zealand tomorrow. I don’t buy into the favourites or not favourites. New Zealand have been the in-form team of the competition, and they have beaten us once in this tournament. But I’m confident if we play our best, we can beat them tomorrow.”
The fact that Clarke is playing his last one-day match and to be able to walk away by lifting the World Cup has made Australia even more determined to ensure their country win it. Clarke even remarked: “No matter what happens tomorrow, this team has achieved a lot under pressure and lot of expectations. To be able to make a World Cup final is very special, and if we can win, that would be icing on the cake. But the way you do that is by making sure you’re prepared, you’re ready, and show skill over emotion.”
That is exactly what McCullum too wants his players to do and not be nervous of the occasion. “We’ll play well tomorrow; it doesn’t guarantee us anything, doesn’t mean that Australia won’t beat us. But I’m very confident we’ll turn up and display our skills just as we have done throughout the tournament. So we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”
