AUSSIE GRIT
■ Resurgent Australia look to clinch their sixth crown
New Delhi, May 19: Synonymous with World Cup success, Australia will enter the showpiece with realistic hopes of widening the gulf between them and the rest, having tenaciously rallied from the ball-tampering saga that prompted radical changes in their cricketing culture.
The five-time winners have showed exemplary resilience in navigating the tempestuous phase that nearly broke their back and spirit, and the recent away series victories against India and Pakistan are proof of their neversay-die attitude.
The muchawaited return of David Warner and Steve Smith from their one-year bans has bolstered the team and boosted the morale of those, who will wear the yellow jersey in the United Kingdom. The squad has completed its World Cup preparatory camp in Brisbane and headed to the the United Kingdom via a stopover in the Gallipoli peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, the European part of Turkey, Gallipoli peninsula holds great significance in Australia’s history as this was the place where 11,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in a disastrous Allied military offensive.
The most successful one-day side in history, Australia have lifted the trophy a record five times, including three consecutive wins between 1999 and 2007. Winning three on the trot is no doubt unprecedented but such has been Australia’s dominance in the tournament that they emerged victorious even in the 1987 edition when they entered as rank outsiders after the exodus of some of their best players.
Hosting the tournament for only the second time four years ago along with New Zealand, Australia were not overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy but they still became champions at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. It will not be surprising at all if the current team, captained by Aaron Finch, triumphs at the hallowed Lord’s on July 14. They certainly have the wherewithal to go all the way and record what could be a wonderful sixth title.