We have edge over Australia: Yuvraj Singh
Chennai: With Ricky Ponting struggling to find form in the tournament so far, India can exploit the chinks in the Australian armour and beat them in the World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday in Ahmedabad, middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh said. Singh said Australia are no longer the same intimidating force due to retirements of some key players and the defending champions are also copping with the problem of Ponting's poor form.
'Australia have won five games. The two teams are equal at the moment. Whosoever plays better on Thursday will win the match. No doubt, Australia are a top side having won the title for last three years,' Singh said after his all-round show helped India crush West Indies by 80 runs in their last Group B league match.
'However, players like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist are not there in the team. Ricky Ponting has not been in his form for quite some time. We will focus and try to win the match by exposing their weakness,' Singh, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 113 with the bat and two wickets with the ball, said.
Singh was also not concerned of facing the three-pronged Australian pace attack and said India are prepared for it. 'We do not have any issue with the short ball. We have been a number one Test and ODI side in the world. If we had problems with the short balls, we cannot be on top. We know definitely that Australia have pace and get wickets on their pace. We are prepared for it,' said Singh, who scored his maiden World Cup ton against the West Indies.
'If you are thinking of winning the world cup, it does not matter (who you play). You need to beat the best sides such as Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to win the Cup.' On India not being able to bat the quota of 50 overs, he said, 'It will be an issue for you (media), if we do not win the games. We are getting ready for quarter-final.'
Chennai: With Ricky Ponting struggling to find form in the tournament so far, India can exploit the chinks in the Australian armour and beat them in the World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday in Ahmedabad, middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh said. Singh said Australia are no longer the same intimidating force due to retirements of some key players and the defending champions are also copping with the problem of Ponting's poor form.
'Australia have won five games. The two teams are equal at the moment. Whosoever plays better on Thursday will win the match. No doubt, Australia are a top side having won the title for last three years,' Singh said after his all-round show helped India crush West Indies by 80 runs in their last Group B league match.
'However, players like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist are not there in the team. Ricky Ponting has not been in his form for quite some time. We will focus and try to win the match by exposing their weakness,' Singh, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 113 with the bat and two wickets with the ball, said.
Singh was also not concerned of facing the three-pronged Australian pace attack and said India are prepared for it. 'We do not have any issue with the short ball. We have been a number one Test and ODI side in the world. If we had problems with the short balls, we cannot be on top. We know definitely that Australia have pace and get wickets on their pace. We are prepared for it,' said Singh, who scored his maiden World Cup ton against the West Indies.
'If you are thinking of winning the world cup, it does not matter (who you play). You need to beat the best sides such as Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to win the Cup.' On India not being able to bat the quota of 50 overs, he said, 'It will be an issue for you (media), if we do not win the games. We are getting ready for quarter-final.'
News Posted: 21 March, 2011
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