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In what is touted to be the biggest clash in the history of Trans-Tasman cricketing rivalry of all times for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Australia and New Zealand led by their motivational captains Michael Clarke and Brendon McCullum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29. The blockbuster Sunday will be the biggest day when four-time champions Australia will be pitted against a highly committed bunch from New Zealand in the final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The grand finale between two best sides aiming for ultimate glory is drawing predictions about best team to lift the trophy at the MCG. Also Read: Australia vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Final: Likely Playing XI & Statistics of AUS vs NZ.
New Zealand, who have qualified for the summit clash for the first time in 11 editions, will take on Australia who not only have the highest number of world titles but also would be competing in the final for the seventh time starting from their first in 1975. Home side captain Michael Clarke’s retirement from the ODIs after tomorrow’s grand finale will provide a touch of emotion to the Australians who will want to present a ‘farewell’ gift to their inspirational skipper by lifting the trophy. Take a look at what the greats from cricketing world has to say about the thrilling contest in hand.
1—Richard Hadlee, New Zealand cricketing legend
Former New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee on Friday said that the Black Caps winning on Sunday against Australia would be the country’s finest moment in sport. Co-hosts New Zealand entered the final of the World for the first time with a victory over South Africa in the semi-finals.
The 63-year-old said the Black Caps, who have reached their first final after six semi-final losses, had what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to become sporting immortals.
2—Mathew Hayden, Former Australian cricketer
Former Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden on Thursday said that New Zealand will struggle with the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Sunday’s cricket World Cup final here. Australian great Matthew Hayden believes the Black Caps have been “sitting in a comfort zone on New Zealand’s small grounds” and could be found out by the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground in Sunday’s World Cup final. Hayden labelled New Zealand’s sensational semifinal win over South Africa “a huge result for Australia”.
If the Aussies can get past India in their own semifinal in Sydney on Thursday, the former opening batsman believed the Black Caps were their preferred opponent for the title match.
3—Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Indian skipper
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has identified New Zealand’s veteran spinner Daniel Vettori as the key man on whose performance the outcome of the cricket World Cup final against Australia will depend. Dhoni said it may be the team with a specialist spinner who will win the World Cup. Tournament co-hosts Australia take on New Zealand in a trans-Tasman rivalry in the title round at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.
“I think (New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel) Vettori’s performance will be crucial,” Dhoni was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Despite Australia’s impressive form in the build-up to the final, some experts have identified the team’s lack of a quality spinner as the only weakness, which opponents could exploit.
4—Jacob Oram, Former New Zealand all-rounder
Former New Zealand all-rounder, Jacob Oram firmly believes his national side under the great leadership of Brendon McCullum will emerge victorious against the 4-time world champions Australia, when the two sides meet in 2015 Cricket World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As quoted by by The New Zealand Herald, Jacob Oram believes ‘the Black Caps will win Sunday’s World Cup final’.
Oram pinned hopes on “Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor is as good as any in the game, as are the seam bowlers led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Then add in veteran Daniel Vettori. The nucleus is made up of world-class players and the likes of Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi and Corey Anderson have all produced match-winning efforts.”
5—Sunil Gavaskar, Former Indian Captain
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar praised New Zealand for playing “outstanding” cricket throughout the World Cup, saying the Kiwis thoroughly deserved to be in the final after edging past South Africa in a battle of nerves at Auckland today.
Playing in their seventh World Cup semi-final, New Zealand, who have been unbeaten in their 8 games so far, finally crossed the last-four hurdle against a choking South Africa as the Brendan McCullum-led side won a nail-biting contest by four wickets.
For Australia, it is a case of “been-there-and-done-that” before while for their ‘Little Brothers’, it will be an endeavour to rewrite the pages of history with one memorable performance that would leave an indelible mark. Inputs from Agencies and other sources.
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