The Citizen (KZN)

‘Never write Aussies off’

NEXT YEAR’S WORLD CUP LIKELY TO BE ANYBODY’S FOR THE TAKING

- New Delhi

Australia may still be dealing with the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal but World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has no doubts they will bounce back and be challengin­g for one-day cricket’s most coveted trophy next year.

The Cape Town scandal in March rocked cricket in Australia to its core and resulted, among other punishment­s, in lengthy suspension­s for then skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner – both key limited overs batsmen.

They will have served their 12-month bans before the World Cup gets underway at the Oval on May 30 but many wonder if Australia, under an as yet unidentifi­ed captain, can successful­ly defend the title they won on home soil three years ago.

“You can never count Australia out of any big tournament,” Kirsten, who coached India to their 2011 World Cup triumph, told in an email interview.

“They are the most consistent team across big tournament­s and I am sure they will be ready to compete at the next World Cup.”

Australia unveiled Justin Langer as the new coach this week, succeeding Darren Lehmann who stepped down despite being cleared by Cricket Australia of any wrongdoing in Cape Town.

Kirsten has also been impressed by the recent progress of Australia’s Ashes protagonis­ts, England, whose white-ball resurgence was reflected by their rise to the top spot in ODI rankings.

“All the teams have got closer and it really is open for any team to win the big tournament­s,” said Kirsten. “England are playing an aggressive and exciting brand of cricket and it has certainly put them in a great position to contend in all tournament­s.”

The former Proteas opener reckoned the gap between top teams has been narrowing over the last decade and next year’s tournament could be one of the most open in World Cup history.

South Africa’s penchant to implode at World Cups has earned them the “chokers” tag, but Kirsten has no doubt that their talismanic batsman AB de Villiers will not be alone in his determinat­ion to end the barren run.

“South Africa has built a team where you have a number of match winners,” added Kirsten. –

 ?? Picture: Getty Images ?? GARY KIRSTEN
Picture: Getty Images GARY KIRSTEN

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