World Cup wide open, says Fleming

Killswitch · 02-20-2007, 12:10 AM

World Cup wide open, says Fleming

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes Australia's slump in one-day cricket means the World Cup, which starts in three weeks, is wide open.

Australia have lost their last four ODIs, two to England and two to New Zealand, and have also lost their status as the world's number one team.

Fleming said: "That's just where international cricket is at the moment.

"We're going into a World Cup where on any given day there's up to eight teams that can win it."

Australia thrashed England in the Ashes and were dominant in the group stages of the Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

But they lost 2-0 to England in the finals and have suffered injury problems to major players.

All-rounder Andrew Symonds and fast bowler Brett Lee are struggling to be fit for the World Cup because of injuries and Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist have been rested for the Chappell-Hadlee Series, which they have lost to New Zealand.

Fleming, who will lead his team in the final match of the series against Australia on Tuesday, added: "I don't think the world is focusing on Australia. I think there are other teams in West Indies conditions that will be just as dangerous.

"The South Africans are playing well, we've watched a bit of it through Australia and they've certainly got the wood on Pakistan.

"They're one of a number of teams that can win this World Cup. I have no doubt that they'll be there or thereabouts."

Australia's stand-in captain Mike Hussey said his side's defeat to England and then losing away to New Zealand had steeled their resolve as they seek a third consecutive World Cup victory.

"Now we become the hunter," he said.

"We'll be working as hard as we always do to get that number one spot back."

Credit: BBC Sport

Tyler Durden · 02-20-2007, 04:32 AM

Aussies had a similar bad run coming into the 1999 World Cup and still won. I'd say their still very much the favourites.

However, since this is one day cricket, any test side could beat any test side on any given day, so we'll just have to see who gets the momentum and who peaks at the right time.

Just remembered John Buchanan (Aus Coach) and his comments after the Ashes "we would just like to find somebody in one day cricket that could give us a good game"

Well right now Bangladesh could Johnny boy!!

thirty7 · 02-20-2007, 06:41 AM

To be honest, its our bowling attack im worried about. Not only is the experienced and brutal Lee out, but our "5th Bowler options" Clarke and Symonds are injured and will struggle to get full fitness before the Cup. The selectors seem keen to stick with Watson, but i still think they're rushing him. He really needed to build some form and confidence in the Domestic Leagues.

But alas, it should make for an interwesting Cup, me hopes. Just got cable installed, so i can watch all the games

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World Cup wide open, says Fleming

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