The war of words has begun even before the Super Eights.
Australia fast-bowler Pat Cummins fired the first salvo, saying his side would look to exploit India’s weakness when the two sides clash on Friday, according to the International Cricket Council.
India and Australia escaped undefeated in their respective groups and with much at stake and both sides will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run. Cummins felt India’s fragility against the short ball gives his side an edge.
“A few of them aren’t too fond of the short ball,” said Cummins, 19, after a training session at the P Sara Oval. “We will try and ruffle a few feathers. You know, Suresh Raina and Gautam Gambhir and a few of those guys, they are never comfortable with the short ball and we are probably going to dig in a couple of them. Hopefully, that pays off.”
It was Australia’s first practice session since they beat West Indies.
“A few guys went down to Galle for some rest and a few others played golf. Today, the training was a bit of fun. We had a good hit in the nets, everyone is fine, there are no injury concerns. We are looking forward to Friday.”
Meanwhile, the 19-year-old added that there was still room for improvement for Australia, who have never won the World Twenty20. West Indies managed a sizeable total with the bowlers’ performance not impressing coach Mickey Arthur.
“Yeah, we weren’t pretty pleased as well. We had plans but probably we didn’t execute them all. We are trying to work on that and we are trying to make sure that we go in with a clean mind and clean plan and not get ruffled or too disturbed at all. We will try and come back strong.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2012.
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