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Martin Gough

Aussies prey on South African aggression

Martin GoughSt Lucia - This was supposed to be the clash of the titans. Many were calling it the real World Cup final. It turned into a massive anticlimax as Australia stopped South Africa well short of a defendable total in the second semi-final.

Australia’s batsmen barely blinked as their unbeaten run in World Cup stretched to 28 games as they reached their fourth successive final appearance, replying to South Africa’s lowest ever World Cup total.

After losing Adam Gilchrist seventh ball, then suffering a slight setback when Ricky Ponting was bowled through the gate by a pearler from Andre Nel, Matthew Hayden showed there is more to his resume than top-order biffing.

And he found a perfect ally in Michael Clarke in a third-wicket stand of 60 to get them to within touching distance, Clarke striking another clinical half-century.

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Martin Gough

Anticipation high for second semi

Martin GoughSt Lucia - The sun is shining brightly above the picturesque Beausejour Cricket Ground, and there is a real sense of anticipation for what many are calling the real World Cup final.

Most of the people I have spoken to – including South Africans – have the Aussies down as favourites but recognise that the Proteas have the firepower at the top of the order to really put Australia under pressure.

As long as they survive the early movement, South Africa are in an excellent position to do just that having won the toss.

Continue reading "Anticipation high for second semi"


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