Cricket World Cup 2015: Vulnerable Australian Batting Good Sign for India, says VVS Laxman

World Cup 2015 co-hosts Australia defeated Pakistan by six wickets to book a semifinal spot against defending champions India at the Sydney Cricket Ground next Thursday. The margin of victory suggested a one-sided encounter but what it does not say is that the Aussies almost made a mess of the 214-run chase against Pakistan's pacers. (Match Report)

According to the former India batsman VVS Laxman, it was a good sign for Mahendra Singh Dhoni' men.

Aaron Finch, David Warner and Michael Clarke were beaten by pace and bounce - at one point, Australia were in a spot of bother at 59/3. Had Pakistan held on to their chances, including that of Shane Watson, an upset was pretty much on the cards. (Wahab Riaz Spell Leaves Australia Gasping)

"Australia's batsmen looked under pressure. Finch looked out of sorts and I was surprised to see Clarke get out the way he did," Laxman told NDTV. "Had Pakistan taken Watson's wicket, I thought there could have been an upset."

Australia's batsmen have shown a lot of vulnerability throughout the World Cup, especially against quality bowlers. They were blown away by New Zealand and their frailties were once again exposed by Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. India, who are the only team to have taken 70 wickets in the tournament, will test Australia harder. Laxman felt India's bowlers would be licking their fingers ahead of the semis.

"Australia's (problem with) batting is encouraging for Indian pacers. They can put pressure on the Aussie line-up", said the Hyderabadi. (Wahab Riaz, Wasim Akram's 'Special One')

India are a far superior fielding unit than Pakistan and their three seamers have bowled with considerable pace and much better accuracy. The likes of Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja won't drop easy catches and their agility will make Australia think twice before scampering for those quick singles.

Even Australian skipper Michael Clarke admitted his side would need to raise their game against the Indians.

"We were pushed really hard (by Pakistan). Now, we look forward to another really tough contest (against India) and we'll have to bat a lot better. India have been playing very strong cricket and Dhoni has led very well," Clarke said after the victory on Friday.

India have won all their seven matches so far, while Australia have won four in a row. Like Clarke said, the semifinal could be a close contest. Or maybe India will have the upper hand on the slower surface at the Sydney Cricket Ground.