The date of June 2 in 2015 is a special one for the Waugh twins—they are now 50 not out. Steve and Mark, who is nicknamed Junior as he was the second baby to be born, are used to reaching milestones...
Mitchell Starc: World Cricket's Bowler of the Month, March 2015
Apr 1, 2015
Australia's Mitchell Starc bowls during the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Having earned the honour of being named 2015 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament, in an era where bats are getting bigger, boundaries are getting smaller and batsmen are getting cheekier, it would be foolish to ignore Starc’s bowling efforts in March.
Finishing the tournament with 22 wickets in eight matches was impressive on its own, but where Starc really impressed was in the nitty-gritty details. His average was an eye-watering 10.18 and his economy rate 3.50.
One of the great things about Starc is his variation and his consistency in different conditions. He hit the 150 kmh range frequently during the World Cup and his average pace in each match was faster than Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins.
Having pace is one thing, but the fact that Starc knows how to use that pace is what sets him apart. Whether it’s a yorker or a short ball, Starc never lets a batsman settle. That takes immense skill. Equally impressive is the fact that batsmen often find his deliveries unplayable.
Interesting stat provided by Opta; "batsmen have failed to make contact with 27.2% of shots played off Mitchell Starc’s bowling in #CWC15."
The pressure that results from these kinds of deliveries goes a long way to disrupting the batting lineup. Starc also has the ability to swing the ball. Although that is still inconsistent, he is a young bowler with a lot to learn. But Starc is a quick learner.
When Shane Warne referred to his body language as “soft” during commentary in last year’s Test series against India, Starc took that to heart after he was dropped. He returned for the final Test against India earlier in the summer and took five for 142.
We expect fast bowlers to be full of bluster; staring, glaring and often snarling at their opponents. Starc’s approach has always been a bit more modest. While he still doesn’t quite have the vein-popping “crazy eye” look that somebody like Dale Steyn has, Starc certainly has shown a bit more assertiveness in his approach.
Mitchell Starc has been just outstanding in this WC.He is bowling aggressive,swinging the ball& bowling the right length.V.Impressed.#CWC15
In the one-day format, there are many things which count against bowlers. The two new balls up front, the powerplays and, of course, the way batting is being revolutionised by players like AB de Villiers. This only serves to underscores Starc’s brilliance. The fact that he can consistently take wickets on flat tracks makes him a truly special bowler.
At only 25 years old, his best years are still to come—if he can remain injury free, of course. Cricket Australia has just confirmed he has been ruled out of the start of the Indian Premier League with a small knee niggle, but he should be good to go in about three weeks.
Starc’s illustrious performances also saw him rocket to the top of the ICC bowling rankings, ahead of Imran Tahir, Saeed Ajmal and Dale Steyn. Having started the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in seventh position, his rise in the rankings is meteoric, gaining 147 points in the eight matches he played.
As long as bowlers like Starc continue to make inroads in the batsman-dominated game, there is hope yet for future generations.
World Cup Stars Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc Taking Australia into New Era
Mar 31, 2015
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Shane Watson and Steve Smith of Australia celebrate during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Triumphant, elated and deserving, Australia climbed onto the presentation podium. Another comprehensive victory had just been secured. Another World Cup had been won. Another array of opponents had been swatted aside.
Underneath the night sky, trophy again in hand, dominance had been reinforced.
But this wasn't in Melbourne on Sunday having just beaten New Zealand. No, instead it was in Bridgetown, Barbados, the site of the 2007 World Cup final. A special place in Australia's history, the venue where, amid chaos, the nation made it three titles running.
Powering them to that final had been Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath, who topped the tournament's runs and wickets charts, respectively. Once there, it was Adam Gilchrist who powered them to the trophy.
At the time, McGrath was 37 and was playing his final international game. Hayden was 35 and would play his last one-day international less than 12 months later. Ditto for Gilchrist.
Though Ricky Ponting would soldier on and would take Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey and Shane Watson with him, that 2007 World Cup winning side had been underpinned by three veterans who were preparing to walk away.
Thus, that World Cup final, like they often do (think India in 2011), represented the culmination of an era. A final achievement. A parting gift.
Though it wasn't absolutely certain the moment the trophy was held aloft, history has shown Australia were entering transition. Decline.
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS - APRIL 28: Ricky Ponting of Australia celebrates with the World Cup Trophy after victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Kensington Oval on April 28, 2007 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by
In that sense, Australia's reclaiming of their World Cup title in Melbourne on Sunday stands in stark contrast to the one secured eight years earlier. Though the country's path to the latest world crown was similarly dominant, the current Australian team is at a very different point on its timeline than that 2007 side.
On home soil in 2015, Mitchell Starc finished as the tournament's leading bowler. In the runs column, Steven Smith led the host nation.
In the competition's finale, both men were exemplary. Both men were match winners. Standouts in their respective disciplines.
But here's the key point: they're both just 25.
Trophy in hand, Australia's two biggest stars are still in the first half of their international careers.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Steve Smith of Australia raises his bat after scoring 50 runs during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (PhMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Mitchell Starc of Australia celebrates taking the wicket of Brendon McCullum of New Zealand during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015
For both men, the rise has been coming. But equally, their ascension to their current status hasn't always been certain.
Remarkably, when Australia commenced their home summer with a limited-overs campaign against South Africa last November, neither Smith nor Starc were even in the national side. Across three Twenty20 outings, Smith, returning from the UAE, watched on as Cameron White, Nathan Reardon and Nic Maddinson occupied the middle order, while Starc witnessed Doug Bollinger, Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson form the attack.
When a five-game one-day campaign followed, the theme continued. Both men sat out the series opener in Perth.
Though only four months ago, that game at the WACA Ground feels like it belongs to a different era. It feels part of a distant history. Like it was played in a previous century.
Think about it: Just 137 days ago, Smith and Starc weren't in the side; now, at the end of the very same summer, it is their side.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Darren Lehmann, coach of Australia, cheers as Mitchell Starc of Australia is announced as the player of the tournament during the pressentation ceremony for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and
For Australia's selectors, it's a dream scenario. Typically, international outfits are built around a captain and a collection of experienced heads. It's rare for a team's cornerstones to still have the better part of a decade in the game.
Of course, Australia will be losing Clarke and Brad Haddin, but neither departure will be a significant blow in the one-day arena—Clarke has been in and out of the 50-over side for a number of years; Haddin, playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman but coming in at No. 8, has hardly performed a leading role.
As we've witnessed in the 2015 World Cup, Smith and Starc are both the now and the future. And what—or, more precisely, who—they'll have around them in the coming years is ominous for the world's other sides.
Indeed, Aaron Finch and David Warner, entering the prime years of an international batsman's career, are still only 28. Glenn Maxwell is 26. James Faulkner and Josh Hazlewood are 24. Mitchell Marsh is 23. Cummins is only 21.
Led by Starc and Smith, that group, right now, appears on track to defend the nation's title in England and Wales in four years' time. And what's more, it's a group that is likely to get even better.
Thus, Australia's 2015 World Cup title, unlike the previous one in 2007, isn't the culmination of era. Instead, it's the beginning of a new one. An era Smith and Starc will lead Australia into.
NZ 'Too Nice': Haddin Comments Show Exactly Why Kiwis Hate Aussies
Mar 29, 2015
New Zealand’s Grant Elliott, left, chats with Australian players Brad Haddin, second left, and James Faulkner as Pat Cummins, right, celebrates after he was dismissed for 83 runs during the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
New Zealand deserved to be sledged in the Cricket World Cup final, according to Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, as the Kiwis were "too nice." In an interview on the Triple M radio station, Haddin remarked that the New Zealanders were so nice for seven days that it became "uncomfortable."
It is the type of arrogance Kiwis despise. Deserving to be sledged for being too nice? It is almost unbelievable.
In many ways it is a classic culture clash.
Australians bring a passion few can match in the sporting arena. To them there is little wrong with sledging, they bring a win-at-all-costs attitude and like to put their heroes up on a pedestal.
Kiwis, on the other hand, prefer to let their performance speak. Verbal abuse is seen as classless in New Zealand and is a reason why many Kiwis turned off bowlers Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan due to their habit for dishing out verbal sprays.
Whereas Australians love to celebrate their successes and let their opponents know about it, Kiwis are at the other extreme of the spectrum, cutting down anyone's success in a process known as "tall poppy syndrome."
Consider the likes of Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw and Brendon McCullum, all undoubtedly successful athletes who have been torn to shreds by the public at various stages of their careers. Anyone who has ever listened to New Zealand sport talkback radio could attest to that.
Indeed they do it to their own more than others, although it certainly feeds into their dislike of those that do beat their chests.
The result of this is New Zealanders having an intense passion for beating the Australians; they want to shut them up, they do not approve of the win-at-all-costs attitude.
Of course, it is not purely a cricket issue. Remember Quade Cooper's reaction to Richie McCaw after the Australian rugby union team broke a 10-match losing streak to the All Blacks in 2010? Or his and others' attempts to target McCaw with knees to the head and dangerous tackles? Needless to say, Cooper became public enemy No. 1 in New Zealand. George Gregan's "four more years" taunt was one that did not go down well in 2003, while in rugby league, Willie Mason standing and laughing at the haka was also seen as disrespectful.
The incident of all incidents between the two nations was, of course, the underarm ball of 1981. Much has been said about it over the past week, and while many Australians claim that the Kiwis need to let it go, it is its symbolic value of representing the win-at-all-costs attitude that lingers.
It was seen last summer when Michael Clarke told England tail-ender James Anderson to get ready for a broken arm. In that there was a threat, an intent to bowl to harm and injure. For those of us watching on the other side of the Tasman, it did not go down well, but it exemplified so much of why Kiwis cannot stand the Australians in the sporting arena. The message was sent out loud and clear: Winning games is more important than the health of a fellow human being.
Clarke was not the only one. Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, David Warner and Haddin have all been big proponents of sledging, and their hostile attitude is one that does not go down well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFD01-KjHXY
You have taken a wicket, why do you need to go and give the batsman a spray? We all saw it, everyone knows, you do not need to go and tell them how great you are and how poor they are. At least in the eyes of the average Kiwi, that is the feeling.
So when Haddin gave New Zealand opener Martin Guptill a send-off after being dismissed in the World Cup final, it did not leave a great impression.
There is no doubting Australia were the vastly better side on the day. Their seam bowlers exploited New Zealand's weaknesses by bowling full, straight and fast. New Zealand is proud of their team, and there are few denying that Australia were deserved victors.
Perhaps calls of sour grapes are justified from the Australians, depending on which viewpoint you take. It is the attitude though, not the game and outcome that are being questioned.
Haddin's actions do leave a sour taste in the mouth. In many ways, it reaffirms everything that contributes to the ill feeling.
Seriously, deserving to be verbally abused for being too nice? What a ridiculous statement. On the plus side, at least it highlighted the class of one side.
Australia's Young World Cup Stars Paint Hopeful Picture for the Future
Mar 29, 2015
Australia's Steve Smith, right, lunges forward to take the final run along with teammate Shane Watson for their seven wicket win over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
It’s hard to believe that not so long ago, the Australian cricket team was in complete disarray.
A flurry of senior players retired, and absolutely everything seemed to be going wrong for the men from Down Under. An Ashes series loss in England was a particularly low point.
But things started to change. Slowly but surely the tide began to turn, and those who had vision to rebuild this team have now been rewarded with a World Cup trophy.
Most impressive for Australia is the fact that the key players who brought them their success are all still young. Josh Hazlewood and James Faulker are each 24, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are 25 and Glenn Maxwell is 26. Between them, there is a core group of players who can go a long way to keeping up the fortunes of this Australian side.
The average age of the squad, even when including the oldest Australian to ever play in a World Cup final (Brad Haddin, 37), is still just a touch over 28. This all paints a bright picture for the future of the team, especially in the one-day format.
A very young Australian team & a young captain in waiting, This team can go on to achieve bigger things than class of 1999.
Equally impressive about this team is that every single one of the "youngsters" put in an individually brilliant performance some time during the World Cup.
In the batting department, Smith scored four fifties and one hundred, Maxwell scored two fifties and a hundred. But it was the bowling that really stood out. Starc, Hazlewood and Faulkner all delivered a spell of brilliance throughout the tournament.
With the lack of a consistent spinner, for Starc to have averaged 10.18 and Faulkner to average 19.70 on flat tracks is something truly incredible. Hazlewood, too, managed to keep things tidy with an average of 25.14 and an economy rate of 4.10. When considering that this World Cup has seen the highest scoring rates ever, the context to their performances become even more impressive.
Congrats Australia,u were indeed the best team this WC,the depth you had in your batting and what to say about the menacing pace attack!
Despite not having a genuine spinner, a hungry and dedicated pace attack dominated the World Cup. To have that strength in depth when the core group of players have not even hit their pedigree years yet is something to behold and to be feared by other sides. But this is not something that has happened overnight.
Darren Lehmann deserves immense credit for his turnaround of this team. Although his "matey" and sometimes "casual" approach has at times raised a few eyebrows, it has allowed players to be at ease with their roles and play with freedom, without living in fear that they might get the chop if they have a bad day at the office.
With Michael Clarke ending his one-day career, Australia can find solace in Smith’s performances. As the most likely successor to Clarke, Smith’s evolution over the last few years is likely to bring a smooth transition in captaincy.
Australia might not be the most likable World Cup winners, but they are impressive and fearsome ones. As has been the case with so many Australian teams, they are rewriting the rule book for how the format is played and building a reputation of being a force to be reckoned with.
All information was obtained firsthand.
Australia Rule Again, New Zealand Come Up Short and More from World Cup Final
Mar 29, 2015
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Steve Smith of Australia celebrates hitting the winning runs during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Australia lifted the Cricket World Cup for the fifth time in their history after easing to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand.
The final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, did not quite turn out to be the enthralling finish to the tournament that many had hoped for.
After New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, the team looked to working their way back into the match when they reached 150 for three.
However, the Black Caps—playing their first game of the competition on foreign soil—lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs to be bowled out for 183.
Australia saw Aaron Finch depart early in their reply and despite making a rapid 45, the fall of David Warner's wicket gave their opponents renewed hope.
But, making his final one-day appearance, Australia's Michael Clarke came in and steadied the ship. The captain was cautious to start before blossoming as his innings wore on.
Although he was dismissed with the finishing line in sight for 74, Steven Smith's unbeaten 56 saw Australia to victory with the small matter of 101 balls to spare.
Australia's Mitchell Starc didn't waste much time in sending down the best delivery of the match.
The left-arm paceman had already beaten McCullum twice in the opening over when he cleaned up New Zealand's captain for a duck.
The batsman was beaten for pace as much as anything, failing to get his bat down in time to keep out a full-length delivery that went on to clip the base of his off stump.
It was a spectacular start to the game, particularly after McCullum—a talisman for his team at the top of the batting order—had won the toss and opted to bat first.
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 29, 2015
Catch of the day
After slipping to 39 for three, Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor led a New Zealand recovery with a fourth-wicket partnership worth 111.
The duo seemed to be laying the foundation for the Kiwis to launch a late onslaught, starting with the batting powerplay from the 35th over onwards.
However, with the first delivery of the five-over period, James Faulkner found the outside edge of Taylor's bat.
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin completed the dismissal with a diving catch low to his right. At first, it seemed the ball had been struck into the ground, but replays showed it came off the bat on the full.
Clarke rolled back the years during his innings in Australia's successful run chase.
The right-hander hit 10 fours and one superb six, using his feet to get down the wicket and loft New Zealand's left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori over the rope at long-off.
He also rushed his country towards their target with four successive boundaries in one expensive Tim Southee over.
Perhaps, though, the award for the best shot of the day should go to the very last one.
Smith had the privilege of being the man who got to hit the winning runs, pulling seamer Matt Henry away to the square leg boundary for four to start the celebrations.
Starc was selected as man of the tournament, a rich reward for the bowler after he finished the campaign with 22 wickets at a ridiculously low average of 10.18.
Captain Clarke wore a black armband with the initials PH on them when he lifted the trophy, honouring the late Phillip Hughes, who died while playing the game he loved last year.
"We played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is dedicated to our little brother Phillip Hughes" - Michael Clarke
So the 2015 World Cup comes to an end. It may have taken some time to find out the eventual winner, but there were some highlights along the way.
New Zealand's Martin Guptill—who finished as the leading run scorer—set a new record for an individual batsman with his knock of 237. There also were two hat-tricks taken by bowlers.
Next time in 2019, England will be the host nation of a smaller, 10-team event, meaning fewer Associate nations will be involved.
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...
Cricket World Cup Final: Can New Zealand Exploit Australia's Change Bowlers?
Mar 27, 2015
Australia's Glenn Maxwell celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Corey Anderson as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, left, watches during their Cricket World Cup match in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo Ross Setford)
The bat has dominated at the 2015 Cricket World Cup but fast-bowlers will be the key to victory for Australia in Sunday's final against New Zealand.
The Aussie big guns have performed consistently throughout the competition, led by the hugely impressive Mitchell Starc.
As potentially dangerous as Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and/or Pat Cummins are, there are serious question marks about who will bowl the remainder of the overs.
New Zealand's fearless approach means they are likely to go after every Australian bowler, regardless of form or reputation. The weaknesses of the spin and fourth/fifth bowler options are especially ripe for exploitation.
Much was made of James Faulkner's all-round talents prior to the World Cup, but his tournament to date has been a touch disappointing. A total of 44 runs and seven wickets does scant justice to his abilities.
Golden arm or not, the Black Caps shouldn't find Glenn Maxwell as troublesome as South African leggie Imran Tahir. Maxwell has picked up five wickets at the World Cup at an average of 36.20, with an economy rate of 5.83. As respectable as those figures are, he doesn't give the ball much of a tweak, and the Kiwis will look to target him.
It's a similar story for Shane Watson. The veteran all-rounder has lacked menace, picking up just two wickets so far. If his job is to tie up an end, he's struggled with that as well, going at 6.72 runs per over.
If the Australian supporting cast shows any sign of weakness, a dangerous New Zealand middle order of Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi are capable of taking full advantage.
Brendon McCullum's biggest failure so far came against Bangladesh, where he was dismissed by left-arm-spinner Shakib Al Hasan for just eight. It's unlikely that Australia will recall Xavier Doherty just to take on the New Zealand skipper. Would Michael Clarke have the bottle to open the bowling himself? It may take something completely unexpected to derail the McCullum express.
With the backup bowlers potentially vulnerable, it looks like the onus will fall on the Australian quicks to deliver the knockout blows. Luckily for home supporters, they seem perfectly capable of doing so.
Centurion Steve Smith rightly hogged the headlines in the semi-final win over India. A victory target of 329 was always going to be a tough ask, even for a batting lineup boasting the class of India's.
The fact they never came close to chasing down the Australian total is a testament to the fast-bowling firepower at Michael Clarke's disposal.
Even when Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma got India off to a relative flier at 72 without loss in the 13th over, the Aussie quicks didn't panic.
WATCH:The dangerous Dhawan goes for 45 as Maxwell claims the catch. India 76/1. Live now on Sky Sports World Cup. http://t.co/HPUaV3HF3J
As soon as Hazlewood dismissed Dhawan, Australia put the squeeze on. Virat Kohli has been the big wicket throughout the Australian summer, and Mitchell Johnson, with the help of some astute captaincy from Clark, suffocated India's most fluent batsman.
After 13 deliveries produced a single run, Kohli was put out of his misery by Johnson. Once Sharma and Raina had followed with just 108 on the board, the game was almost done.
Even when Ajinkya Rahane and MS Dhoni were putting on a partnership of 70 for the fifth wicket, the Australians were always firmly in charge. It was a masterclass of controlling an innings. Keep things tight where possible but always hunt for wickets.
That has been the mantra for the Australian fast bowlers throughout the competition.
The hyper-aggressive Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill and the rest of the New Zealand street fighters will, of course, pose a different challenge to the one set by India.
The Australian fast-bowlers will go into the final without any fear, though. Mitchell Starc produced the bowling display of the tournament to get Australia within a whisker of pulling off a staggering comeback in the group game against the Kiwis.
With a trio of bowlers (Johnson, Starc and Pat Cummins) capable of topping 150 km/h on the speed gun, Australia will always pose a threat, regardless of the state of the pitch or the overhead conditions.
Josh Hazlewood is a nice complement to the all out pace assault. Nibbling it around at a decent lick, he should find any movement on offer at the MCG and pose a threat to the dangerous New Zealand top order.
Australia's bowlers have been helped by having a batting lineup that is capable of setting and chasing huge totals. They are likely to face their toughest examination from a confident Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Daniel Vettori.
As former England opener turned pundit Mark Butcher tweeted:
So despite all of the whinging about big scores, it's the teams with the best bowling attacks that will contest the http://t.co/bszs9PKnc5
The attack that comes out on top on Sunday will determine which side of the Tasman Sea the World Cup trophy will be heading.
Australia End India's World Cup Reign and More from the 2nd Semi-Final
Mar 26, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Glenn Maxwell of Australia celebrates after Mitchell Starc of Australia took the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane of India during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 26, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
India's reign as champions has come to an end after Australia recorded a 95-run victory in the second semi-final of the Cricket World Cup.
Steve Smith hit 105 from just 93 balls and Aaron Finch contributed 81 as Michael Clarke's side made 328 for seven after choosing to bat first.
India's run chase was given an excellent start by Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, only for them to slip from 71 without loss to 108 for four at the SCG in Sydney.
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni tried his best to keep his team afloat, making 65, but when he was run out, any slim hope India had of winning disappeared with his dismissal.
Australia will now head to Melbourne to take on fellow tournament hosts New Zealand in Sunday's final.
From the very outset, Smith—a thorn in India's side throughout their time in Australia—looked destined to make a major contribution with the bat.
He got off the mark immediately with two through backward point, then hit the third ball he faced for the first of 11 fours.
There were also two sixes in his innings, the best of the pair coming when he launched the left-arm spin of Ravindra Jadeja over the rope at mid-wicket.
The delivery from the slow bowler wasn't even that short, yet Smith rocked back in his crease to launch it for a maximum. It was almost as if he had been given prior notice of where the ball was going to land.
Steve Smith once again the key batsman for Australia, as he so often has been in all formats in 2015. #SSNHQpic.twitter.com/izVaamXCk6
It wasn't a tough chance, particularly not for someone of Glenn Maxwell's abilities, but his catch to dismiss Dhawan was crucial in deciding the outcome of the game.
Along with opening partner Sharma, Dhawan had Australia on the back foot in the early stages of India's innings.
The left-hander had just taken 11 runs off James Faulkner when he opted to go after Josh Hazlewood at the start of the next over.
He timed his aerial drive superbly, yet his delight at the shot quickly disappeared when he realised Maxwell was waiting at deep cover to accept the opportunity.
— Australian Cricketers' Association (@ACA_Players) March 26, 2015
Delivery of the day
Just two runs after losing Dhawan, India suffered a severe blow in their bid to reach 329 when Virat Kohli was dismissed.
The star batsman had contributed just one run to his team's cause when he opted to go after a bouncer from Mitchell Johnson, resulting in him looping a catch up to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
However, Johnson saved his best delivery of the day for opener Sharma.
Having been pulled away for six the ball before, the left-arm paceman responded impressively with an in-swinger that clipped Sharma's inside edge and crashed into the stumps.
WATCH: Sharma smacks Johnson for six & this is how Mitchell responded. India now 91/3, live on Sky Sports World Cup http://t.co/RIKTjBj7HD
Australia dismissed Ajinkya Rahane when they successfully called for a review for a catch behind the wicket.
The referral was unusual in that neither bowler Starc, wicketkeeper Haddin nor captain Clarke—stationed at slip—mustered an appeal at the time.
Instead, Maxwell and Smith raced in from their positions in front of the wicket to confirm they had heard a noise. Snicko backed up their initial thoughts, meaning Rahane was on his way for 44.
Just one more fixture to go in the tournament, Australia and New Zealand meeting in the final on Sunday.
The trans-Tasman rivals have met once already during this World Cup, the Kiwis coming out on top at Eden Park, Auckland, with just one wicket to spare.
However, this time Australia will have home advantage at the MCG in Melbourne.
After a Feel-Good Semi-Final, Australia and India Set for Contrasting Duel
Mar 25, 2015
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Mitchell Starc of Australia celebrates after dismissing Akshar Patel of India during the One Day International match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 18, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
On one side of the Tasman this week, New Zealand and South Africa played out perhaps the most thrilling game in World Cup history, one defined not just by the theatre it staged, but also by the grace, humility and sportsmanship it witnessed.
On the other side of the Tasman, James Faulkner was asked whether there'd be tension and sledging in Australia's clash with India in the tournament's other semi-final.
The essence of his response? It's inevitable.
"I think there always is in the game, if there isn't you've got problems," Faulkner said of the likely verbal battle against India. "It's the nature of the game, it's a semi-final, it's cut-throat. There's going to be words said and it's going to be a really tough contest. Neither team will be backing down."
Faulkner's first point, the one that said "if there isn't you've got problems," is a totally Australian mentality. The country's national side has always been defined by a certain aggression. A combativeness. A dismissiveness of others.
More recently, India have developed a similar character. Collectively, Indian teams, as well as being vastly talented, have grown feisty, chippy and in your face. Even more so when they've come up against Australia.
Since the infamous Sydney Test of 2008, this rivalry has become many things: compelling, lucrative, fierce and see-sawing.
But it isn't what you'd call pleasant. Or uplifting.
And Thursday's semi-final isn't likely to be any different.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 12: Virat Kohli of India and David Warner of Australia confront eachother during day four of the First Test match between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 12, 2014 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Robert C
As such, we're in for a very contrasting experience on Thursday in Sydney to the one so universally cherished in Auckland earlier this week.
New Zealand's unforgettable victory over South Africa will forever be remembered for Grant Elliott's six. For Daniel Vettori's cool head. For Brendon McCullum's fearlessness. For everything about AB de Villiers. For the Proteas winning hearts in defeat. For joy. For tears.
Australia vs. India isn't likely to replicate any of that. They've spent a whole summer already chipping away at each other. Even in Adelaide, a Test essentially held in the honour of the late Phillip Hughes boiled over.
These teams are both bullish. Both bordering on arrogant. Both full of antagonists, David Warner and Virat Kohli standing at the head of each queue.
And these aren't teams that let their bats do the talking. That's what mouths are for.
This is a clash of strategy. And of methods, culture and politics. This is a new-era rivalry. Not as ancient as the Ashes, or as passionate as India-Pakistan. Two countries that are so different, yet share rampant egotism, high self-opinion and a belief that being born in their country is superior to other births. This brings together a belligerent bunch of brats, bullies and braggers.
This is the "battle of the bullies".
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Virat Kohli of India looks on during the India nets session at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 25, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Possibly fuelling the tension further on Thursday will be a crowd at the SCG that could potentially be a 50-50 split—an extremely rare occurrence in international cricket.
India's travelling fanbase in Australia during this World Cup has been immense, so much so that Faulkner even believes the visitors' support could outweigh the hosts' in Sydney.
Captain Michael Clarke appears to have recognised the possibility, too, publicly urging Australian fans to help create a gold cauldron for the semi-final.
I call on all Australian cricket lovers to paint the SCG gold on Thursday. We need your support. #goldout
Should Clarke get his wish, and should India's support rise to the challenge, the environment at the SCG is going to feel frenzied.
And keep in mind, these teams would likely lock horns and fight if you put them on a rural ground overlooked by a handful of sheep.
It might just mean Thursday's victors will be the team who can best compartmentalise the game's two battles—the verbal one and the one between bat and ball.
Thus, it will, as always, be compelling viewing. Fierce. See-sawing.
Just don't expect it to be anything like the semi-final that preceded it.
