In Kolkata, South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi honed his skills in the nets at the iconic Eden Gardens on Monday, as captured by AFP. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc lauded Australia’s resilience, asserting that the team, true to its legacy, is hitting its stride at the opportune moment after a shaky initiation, securing seven consecutive victories in the World Cup.
The five-time champions are poised for a face-off against South Africa in the second semi-final on Thursday in Kolkata, following both teams accruing 14 points in the group stage. Despite setbacks in ODI series against South Africa and India preceding the World Cup, Australia has demonstrated a commendable resurgence.
Starc reflected on the demanding schedule, highlighting the team’s extensive travels, with the forthcoming semi-final marking their 15th flight since arriving in India. Emphasizing the significance of the World Cup, he affirmed Australia’s knack for peaking in tournament play.
Acknowledging the team’s suboptimal start, Starc credited individual contributions that propelled them to another semi-final. Australia, with an illustrious World Cup history, seeks to add to their triumphs in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015, with notable runner-up finishes in 1975 and 1996, and a semi-final loss in 2019.
Starc, a pivotal figure in Australia’s 2015 and 2021 World Cup victories, exuded confidence in the team’s collective experience, downplaying any sense of being overwhelmed by the upcoming semi-final at Eden Gardens.
Reflecting on Australia’s past successes against South Africa in World Cup semi-finals, Starc, a veteran of 119 ODIs, expressed readiness for the occasion. Despite his subdued wicket tally in the current tournament, he identified the semi-final as an opportune moment to make a substantial impact.
Addressing the nuances of bowling in India, Starc noted the absence of reverse swing due to the use of two balls in each innings. He emphasized the multifaceted nature of success, considering factors such as variations, strategic timing, and the outcome of the coin toss.
As the cricketing spectacle unfolds in Kolkata, Starc and his compatriots aim to script another chapter of triumph in their storied World Cup journey.
By AFP
