Cricket World Cup: New Zealand Will Have to Dig Deep Against Australia, Says Martin Crowe

With New Zealand at the cusp of World Cup glory, former captain Martin Crowe has said the Black Caps will have to dig deep into their resources if they have to beat Australia as it will be a "high emotion" title clash between the trans-Tasman rivals. (MCG will be daunting in final for New Zealand: Clarke)

New Zealand go unbeaten into the title clash in Melbourne on Sunday and even though the Brendon McCullum-led side has won all their eight matches on home shores, playing in Australia would certainly test their true mettle. ('New Zealand's World Cup final entry feels like a dream')

Crowe believes that Australia will certainly be a tough opposition to match.

"It's the unknown. Nobody played at MCG, probably only Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum, I am not sure. But they will have to dig in their reservoir of resources, their own own resilience and that's where they are playing their game from," Crowe told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of the World Cup final. (Grant Elliot, South Africa's loss, New Zealand's gain: Greame Smith)

"I don't think the grounds are going to have too much of a difference but up against Australia it's certainly going to be a high fever emotion in cricket's silicon valley," he said. (We Have to be at our Best Against New Zealand, says Michael Clarke)

The Kiwis have got the better of Australia in the league stages when they edged past the Kangaroos by 1 wicket in a low-scoring thriller at Eden Park, Auckland, but Crowe still feels that the Micheal Clarke-led side is a hard nut to crack.

"I mean Australia bring a very powerhouse kind of game.

It's a lot of brawn and they are very bullish about it," said Crowe. (Clarke Stumped by 'Sex' Talk)

It will also be a battle of pacers when Trent Boult, leading the wickets pack in the showpiece event with 21 from eight matches, and company, lock horns with the likes of Mitchell Starc (20 wickets), Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood.

Crowe has a lot faith in the ability of Kiwi fast bowlers.

"New Zealand have got a lot more skill in the fast bowling department, with their fast swing," he said. (New Zealand Fans Hit Back at Matthew Hayden MCG Jibe)

Despite the presence of spinners like Daniel Vettori and Glenn Maxwell in the respective sides, Crowe opines spin will not play much of a part at the MCG.

"Spin played a huge part in this World Cup, but MCG is a big ground and I don't think spin will dominate proceedings.

And even if it does the New Zealand side have been able to meet up all the challenges so far," Crowe said.