ICC World Cup 2015: 5 weaknesses of New Zealand that Australia can exploit
Australia are in their seventh World Cup final. Next to Steven Smith hitting the stumps directly, Umar Akmal dropping a catch and MS Dhoni finishing an innings, it is about the most frequent event in world cricket. They are pitted against New Zealand, everyone’s favorite team right now, including of the Indians who stay in Australia. It says something about a team which is hated unanimously around the world and the team which is loved unanimously around the world. For a while, West Indies were every cricket fan’s second favourite team, and New Zealand have brought the same joy into cricket while also winning consistently. The Black Caps have already proven themselves as the best team their country has ever produced by breaking the semi-final jinx and finally making it to the World Cup final. They have motivation too, in the form of Daniel Vettori, who might be playing his last game for New Zealand, and Martin Crowe, their most astute captain and batsman ever. They have already beaten Australia once in a pool game and will look to emulate the same in the final. However, here are five New Zealand weaknesses which Australia could target to lift an unprecedented 5th title.
#1 New Zealand\'s aggression could backfire
Sometimes, your biggest strength could also be your biggest weakness. Brendon McCullum lives and dies by the sword. A lot of his other top players do the same as well. New Zealands brand of cricket, like their rugby, is fearless, all-attacking. We saw that in McCullums approach against South Africa. We saw Corey Andersons counter-punch in the same game at a later stage. When in doubt, they swing. When under pressure, they swing. When in control, they swing.
Australia are an aggressive team too, but a little less relentless and a little more restrained. Their calculated aggression could get the better of the Black Caps especially now that the latters attacking instincts are so predictable. Even to a bouncer with two men in deep on the on side, McCullum is likely to hook. Such predictability might have won games for them all through the World Cup, but a final is a different monster. You are always better off with a hidden ace. New Zealand dont have one!