03-24-2003, 10:00 AM
Hail whyBish,
I compared Kenya to Sri Lanka because, not so long ago, they were a minow nation: they were not expected to win anything at all. Then, from nowhere, they won the World Cup - only *host* nation to ever win the World Cup too. Immediately, they became an international power. Today, they are hot and cold: sometimes they can play as well as the best; others they are horrid. A perfect example was this summer: Sri Lanka played Australia A, and were bowled out within 25 overs (twice: because the match was over in 3 hours, they came out and played a second game)...three days later, they beat Australia quite convinginly. Of cause, that was the last time we were beaten in an ODI - we've had a record-setting string of wins since ;) Anywho, the point is Sri Lanka came from nowhere, and are now a side to watch.
India? They only lost two matches: both against us. They are a powerful side, but the current Australian side is so far above the rest of the world, it's not funny. Heck, if you can score at 8 and over, and *lose* a match, you've played amazingly well, but were beaten by a side that is at another level above you. If Australia A had played too, it would have been interesting... Reminds me of the first summer where Australia A played. I forget which nations were here, but the point of the matter was in the 4-way series they held, it came to an Australia v Australia A final, and Australia A actually played well enough that they came close to victory. Of cause, that Australia A side was full of experienced players who had only recently retired; the modern Australia A side is mostly made up of young players who are on the way up, but have little International experience.
As for beating South Africa at home, we did that last year: flogged them in both the Tests and the ODI series. We almost always do: they technically may be the #2 side in the world, but when they go against us, they have no confidence, and collapse horridly. I personally consider New Zealand a threatening nation: Flemming has realised the only way to beat Australia is ot fight fire with fire, and tries to get his guys to match us. As long as we still have our current line-up, we're OK...but in a few years time, I think New Zealand may be in a better situation to have a go at us.
I compared Kenya to Sri Lanka because, not so long ago, they were a minow nation: they were not expected to win anything at all. Then, from nowhere, they won the World Cup - only *host* nation to ever win the World Cup too. Immediately, they became an international power. Today, they are hot and cold: sometimes they can play as well as the best; others they are horrid. A perfect example was this summer: Sri Lanka played Australia A, and were bowled out within 25 overs (twice: because the match was over in 3 hours, they came out and played a second game)...three days later, they beat Australia quite convinginly. Of cause, that was the last time we were beaten in an ODI - we've had a record-setting string of wins since ;) Anywho, the point is Sri Lanka came from nowhere, and are now a side to watch.
India? They only lost two matches: both against us. They are a powerful side, but the current Australian side is so far above the rest of the world, it's not funny. Heck, if you can score at 8 and over, and *lose* a match, you've played amazingly well, but were beaten by a side that is at another level above you. If Australia A had played too, it would have been interesting... Reminds me of the first summer where Australia A played. I forget which nations were here, but the point of the matter was in the 4-way series they held, it came to an Australia v Australia A final, and Australia A actually played well enough that they came close to victory. Of cause, that Australia A side was full of experienced players who had only recently retired; the modern Australia A side is mostly made up of young players who are on the way up, but have little International experience.
As for beating South Africa at home, we did that last year: flogged them in both the Tests and the ODI series. We almost always do: they technically may be the #2 side in the world, but when they go against us, they have no confidence, and collapse horridly. I personally consider New Zealand a threatening nation: Flemming has realised the only way to beat Australia is ot fight fire with fire, and tries to get his guys to match us. As long as we still have our current line-up, we're OK...but in a few years time, I think New Zealand may be in a better situation to have a go at us.
May the wind pick up your heels and your sword strike true.