India vs Australia in World Cup Semis: Hosts Babble but Can They Walk the Talk?

The Australians have let bat and ball do most of the talking in World Cup 2015 so far. Up against defending champions India in the semis though, several Aussie cricketers have typically resorted to mouthing their views on what promises to be an epic clash of titanic proportions. In doing so, however, they have often contradicted their own teammates. (Complete World Cup coverage | Stats)

 

The Sydney battle on Thursday is expected to be a thrilling contest between the No. 1 and No. 2 sides in international cricket. While both sides have an equal chance of facing New Zealand in Sunday's final, the hosts have sparked off mind games. So, while Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have reminded Indians of the recent poundings in Tests and tri-nation ODIs Down Under, opener Aaron Finch has asserted that MS Dhoni and his team are no pushovers.

 

India did fail in the four Tests and in the ensuing tri-nation ODI series that had England as the third team. "I think we'll have a little edge over them with a few scars from the matches throughout the Summer, they didn't beat us once," Smith told reporters at the SCG on Tuesday.

 

Maxwell, too, had previously looked to rip open healed wounds. "We can make the most of that (all-win record)," he had said on Saturday. "We've been dominant all summer in the ODI format. We want to continue that." (Read more here)

 

If dominating on the field can point towards Thursday's winner, Indian fans would be better off than their Aussie counterparts as their team has won seven on-the-trot this World Cup. The bowling has led the way and the batsmen have complimented well -- a fact recognized by Finch. When asked if Australia's recent results against India would matter, the opener disagreed.

 

"I don't think so, guys move on pretty quick from that kind of stuff," said Finch, clearly contradicting Smith and Maxwell's views. (Read more here)

 

Even former Aussie cricketers are divided in their forecast for the match. While Brett Lee has tipped Aussies to win, Ian Chappell feels the lack of a world-class spinner at Michael Clarke's disposal will give the edge to India.

 

"I honestly think that Australia will win on Thursday, I think they've got the right balance in the team," said Lee, a popular figure in the sub-continent where he has appeared in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament and also released a hit record.

 

Chappell though told NDTV that India's spinners could be the differentiating factor between the two teams. "Playing in Sydney they (Australia) will miss a good spinner," said the former Australia captain. "I think Australia has a pretty good attack (but) it's not completely balanced though because I think they lack top class spinner." (Read more here)

 

What is making Clarke sweat though is the possibility of Indian fans outnumbering Aussies in the stands. "I call on all Australian cricket lovers to paint the SCG gold on Thursday. We need your support. #goldout," tweeted the Aussie captain on Monday. (Read more here)

 

Meanwhile, the Indians are keeping typically 'secretive.' There have not been many press conferences or media interactions with the focus, apparently, solely on the match at hand.