The Serve

West Indies chase an anti-climax

West Indies crowds have a reputation as being the most knowledgeable in cricket. Maybe that explains why nobody turned up to see their side take on the world champions.

Perhaps they knew what was coming.

Australia’s 103 run slaughter of the hosts was nothing short of an anti-climax. The rain-enforced second day allowed thoughts to wander. A target of 323 is normally a match killer. However, the prospect of Gayle at the top, Lara somewhere down the order and some decent names in the middle, added with Australia’s recent problems defending anything, suddenly 323 became tantalizing as minds romanticized about an epic. We were right.

323 is a match killer.

A brilliant opening spell by Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait ended the contest frighteningly early. Bracken used the swing gloriously, slowing his pace down to maximize movement, while Tait today bowled with restrained hostility. Three wides in the first over were quickly superseded by quick, full and accurate bowling, resulting in a dubious LBW. Chanderpaul was clearly wronged, however he, like many others, appear so unconvincing against the pace of Tait that any strike of the pads looks out. Like a cannon through the fat man’s stomach at the carnival. At the moment of impact you just want the poor victim put out of his misery.

Ricky Ponting read the situation perfectly by removing Tait early. He may have taken a wicket and kept the rate down, but 1 for 16 off 7 provided the perfect platform for McGrath to continue the suffocation. It culminated in Gayle’s embarrassing skied catch, removing the oft-feared opener for 2 off 23. A complete shutdown. Samuels did the same thing in McGrath’s next over. There was certainly assistance for the quicks, used wisely by the visitors. The receptive pitch only ramming home further the contribution and form of Matt Hayden.

Brian Lara is simply wasted at five. He entered with the score at 3 for 20. Not even the great man could reverse this. It would seem obvious that any hope this team has of lifting the silverware would count on Lara being at the crease for as long as possible. Waiting for some match-saving heroics in this match was like waiting for some insightful commentary from Greg Blewett. It was clear it wasn’t going to happen and it was wise not to even hope.

Australia has now won 16 consecutive world cup matches, and gone 22 without defeat. A figure inflated by easy wins over non-test nations, however their last loss remains the Wasim Akram inspired 10 run victory by Pakistan in the group stage of the 99 tournament. A staggering run.

There is still the matter of seeing the Aussies against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, teams the world champions have found hard to shake off, but so far so good. The fielding looks sharp and the bowling has purpose again. But will it be as sharp and as purposeful when there isn’t well over 300 to defend?