If India ends the Kangaroo's 12 year WC monopoly, the likely casualty may be the Aus skipper, Ricky Ponting.
The stubborn Tasmanian has been asked to step down since Aus lost the Ashes series to Eng Down Under. Furthur calls for his resignation came, after Aus went down to Pak last Saturday.
Brendon Julian, who played 25 matches for the Aussies, feels that Ponting should quit ODI cricket, but remain as Test captain.
"He owes nothing more to one-day cricket...I think it's an ideal time for him to step out of one-day cricket" said Julian. I don't think he really needs to step down and keep playing for Australia (in ODIs). I think there are good enough players out there now that can step into that spot and do it quite well."
Ian Chappell, Geoff Lawson and Doug Walters have asked Ponting to step down. Pressure has taken a toll of Ponting's physique and psyche. He was out cheap to Pak! He had always struggled for runs in this WC and was rapped by the ICC for breaking a TV in the dressing room, after he was run out in a match against Zimbabwe.
He then lost his temper during a collision with Steve Smith He glared at his team mate and then slammed the ball into the turf in an act of anger. He has managed only 36 runs in five innings of the tournament, He has not scored a hundred in the last 17 ODIs. We thought he may come near Sachin's records. What a pity ! ( Meanwhile Sachin only needs 45 runs for 18 K runs in ODIs ).
If Aus lose to India, it will mean that Aus is exiting without being a finalist for the first time since 1992.
The governing body of Aus ordered a review into the team's performance, following the Ashes defeat. Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh have been commissioned to make Cricket Aus more competitive.
Ponting is facing increased competition from M Clarke, who led Aus to 6-1 victory over Eng Down Under.
So Ponting faces a Damocles Sword. But he remained defiant and hopes to be skipper for both ODIs and Test.
"I don't see the finish line...I want to keep playing both forms of the game as long as I think I can contribute." said the whirlwind batsman. "For some reason these retirement things keep popping up all the time. You probably shouldn't always believe everything you read in the newspaper."
Only Gilchrist has supported him, saying that he has the right to discuss his future with Cricket Australia !
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