India's Recent Dismal Record vs Australia Won't Matter in the World Cup Semis: Ian Chappell to NDTV
India's failed to beat Australia across Tests and one-day internationals for the last three months but Ian Chappell believes the World Cup semifinal between the two countries could be a close affair.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: March 21, 2015 08:01 pm IST
India have lost seven out of the last 10 one-day internationals against Australia and have had a torrid summer against them Down Under, but former Aussie skipper Ian Chappell said the defending champions' recent dismal record would count for little when the two sides clash against each other in the World Cup semifinal at the SCG on Thursday. (Australia Lack a World Class Spinner: Ian Chappell)
Star Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood have started the mind-games and reminded India of their sufferings through the summer. But Chappell said the World Cup co-hosts would be surprised against the much galvanized Indian team.
"What happened in tri-series doesn't matter. Sydney is the best venue for India to play Australia. This is different Indian team under MS Dhoni and the bowlers are thinking about taking wickets," Chappell told NDTV.
Australian skipper Michael Clarke was also wary of the way India have played so far in the World Cup. The Asian giants are unbeaten in the tournament and could pose a serious threat to Australia's dreams of becoming only the second team to win the tournament on home soil. (Watson Has Answered his Critics: Brett Lee)
On Friday, Pakistan's bowlers led by the fiery Wahab Riaz showed certain chinks in the Australian batsmen's armour and like VVS Laxman, Ian Chappell believed India could be encouraged by that.
"Australia were shocked by Wahab and India should take a page out of that. Ravichandran Ashwin is bowling really well and the SCG pitch will help him. This is a 50-50 game for me," Chappell said.
India have been at the receiving end of Australia through the last three months. The Aussies won the Test series 2-0 and defeated India in both their matches in the tri-series before pasting them again in the first warm-up match in the World Cup. Recent records certainly weigh in favour of the Aussies but India's new found energy and rhythm could hurt Clarke's men.