5 weaknesses of Australia that New Zealand can exploit
It has been a month-and-a-half of carnival, and as the climax of cricket’s showpiece tournament, we have a fight-out for the World Cup title between the two nations who have jointly hosted the 2015 edition – Australia and New Zealand.Australia have an 85-35 win record against their neighbours in ODIs, and also have the advantage of having played 6 World Cup finals before, having turned out victors on 4 of those occasions.Not even the greatest sides are free from fallabilities however – as exhibited countless times in the history of all sports. These are a few chinks in the Australian side which can be exploited by the first-time finalists New Zealand:
#1 Openers susceptible to early pressure
David Warner and Aaron Finch, the Australian opening batsmen, have both had disappointing World Cups despite no glaring failure, courtesy the depth of their batting lineup.
Warner, who came into the World Cup as one of the most highly rated batsmen in world cricket, has been guilty of throwing away his wicket far too frequently. He has managed 101 runs in the 5 matches Australia have played against the top 8 nations, an unsatisfactory showing at best.
Finch started off the World Cup with a positive 128-ball 135 against England, but has struggled to replicate the same form since. He has laboured through some more runs than his partner on most occasions, but his persistent trouble in timing the ball is sure to be pounced upon by Trent Boult’s swerving deliveries.
The New Zealand seamers have had early breakthroughs in every match they have played, and there is no reason why this will not continue to be the case on Sunday.