Australia's consistency when it comes to knocking out opponents in big games is becoming legendary
Australia's consistency when it comes to knocking out opponents in big games is becoming legendary
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When you arrived in South Africa for the Champions Trophy, all the talk was of the host nation and India, and which of the contenders to the throne would knock Australia off their perch for good. Just over a fortnight later, the DJ at Centurion played Stand Up for the Champions as Shane Watson, allegedly the poor man's Andrew Flintoff, sprinted off with a stump in his hand and 105 runs to his name, having just slugged a massive six over midwicket to seal a second successive Champions Trophy for Australia.
India and South Africa? Lost in the mists of oblivion, with more chapters added to sagas of underachievement.
Winning streak
Australia haven't lost a World Cup match since Headingley (against Pakistan) in 1999 and their only loss in the Champions Trophy since 2004 came against the West Indies at the Brabourne Stadium in 2006. That loss was swiftly avenged in the final, and their record in the events that matter makes a complete mockery of any suggestion that India or South Africa are better one-day sides. As Serena Williams said so disparagingly about Dinara Safina, it's not how much you win, but what you win that matters.
New Zealand can take immense pride from the way they played in this final, having lost their talisman and captain, Daniel Vettori, to a hamstring injury. For a while, with Kyle Mills and Shane Bond bowling beautifully with the shiny white ball, an improbable triumph was on the cards. But Watson and Cameron White rode out the storm, and then cruised towards the target. Had Brendon McCullum not completed a forgettable afternoon by dropping White when he had just 15, it might have been even closer.
Watson batted with tremendous assurance and purpose. He averages 49.68 over 30 games as opener, and this was his fourth century. Suddenly, those that pooh-poohed the idea that he could replace the equally muscular Matthew Hayden are looking a bit silly.
This victory though was set up by a superb bowling display. Peter Siddle bowled an impeccable line outside off stump at searing pace, and Brett Lee was simply too quick to handle.
Added bonus
There was an added bonus in the shape of Nathan Hauritz, who used flight, guile and pretty sharp turn to scalp 3 for 37. Once he had Aaron Redmond stumped, and Michael Hussey took a wonder catch at point to send back the dangerous Ross Taylor, New Zealand were always playing catch up. Except, there's no catching Australia. No 1, especially when it counts.
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