This World Cup has been the best showcase of cricket in the history of World Cups, writes former Australia all-rounder - Andy Bichel.
Today was a cricketer’s dream and the players will remember this for the rest of their lives! James Faulkner’s magical over and the pace of the two Mitchells - Starc and Johnson – enabled Australia to dismantle the Kiwi batting order for a mere 183. Their names will be etched into history forever.
Although they didn’t win today, I have really liked the way New Zealand play their cricket. They have played aggressive cricket all the way through. The first ten overs they have been very attacking with the bat. Lead by Brendan McCullum they aim to take down the bowler before he gets going and this has really worked for him and his team. They also have some quality quicks up front – Trent Boult and Tim Southee. The left and right-hand combination is very effective and they have shown that they can both swing the new ball.
" I’ve been impressed with the the cool heads of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Grant Elliott and let’s not forget the hard-hitting of Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi near the end of the innings. To me these are the ingredients for success - having the right people on bus and in the rights seats. "
New Zealand had more strength in depth than ever before in this event but tonight they couldn't get it together and perhaps the occasion may have just been too much for them. Elliott was the only one to hold some resistance and played beautifully and freely with form and class.
Strength in depth is something we take for granted in Australia with our depth that we have in first class cricket. We have a fantastic squad - look at the players that have missed out today! George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Doherty and Pat Cummins a least were a part of the squad; then you look at Cameron White, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Ashton Agar to name a few who didn’t make the cut.
