5 Keys to Success for Australia in the 2015 World Cup Final
The 2015 Cricket World Cup final beckons for co-hosts Australia as they take on local rivals and fellow hosts New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
For the Australians, it is yet another appearance in the showpiece event’s climax and comes after relatively serene progress through the competition.
Their victory over India in the semi-finals will have been especially rewarding as the Indians looked very strong indeed, and now they have a clash against the Black Caps to look forward to.
It will not be an easy task, but here are five keys to success for the Australians in the final.
1. Stop New Zealand’s Big Bats
One of the most important factors for Australia in the field will be stopping New Zealand’s batsmen from making fast starts, especially Brendon McCullum.
The Black Caps captain has gotten his side off to a series of ferocious starts thanks to an array of aggressive strokes that gives them much early momentum.
If he can be stopped early, and the likes of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor can all follow shortly after, Australia will have a strong chance of restricting their opponents.
2. Cope with Boult and Southee
There will probably not be much swing at the MCG, which will not give New Zealand’s opening bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee much of an advantage.
However, even in unconducive conditions, the pair are fearsome for the Black Caps with the new ball and must be seen off convincingly by Australia’s top order.
If the pair are allowed to dominate, they will most likely continue their charge through this tournament and take even more wickets.
3. Dominate Early with the Bat
Australia have their own attacking threats in the top order, with Aaron Finch, David Warner and Shane Watson all infinitely capable of being aggressive early on.
If the hosts are to be successful, they will need a fast start, especially with fielding restrictions in place in the opening overs.
Were one or two of their top three to come out firing, the Australians will be hopeful of amassing a huge total.
4. Lower Order Must Kick on
It is not just at the top of their batting order where Australia have plenty of strength but also lower down, with a number of individuals late on who can take a bowling attack on.
Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh are all tremendously capable of scoring quick runs, while Brad Haddin is a tough proposition at No. 8.
Maxwell especially showed what he can do in the closing overs against Sri Lanka with 102 and will want to show off his considerable talents on the biggest stage of all.
5. Seam Attack Must Be Strong
One thing Australia lack is a premier spinner in their bowling attack, but their fast bowlers have done plenty to share the load and take the wickets to win.
Mitchell Starc has looked especially impressive with 20 wickets in the tournament, backed up well by Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood.
Starc’s yorkers late on have been particularly effective, and after such a strong showing, he will want one final flourish.