Gilchrist blazes in Barbados gloom to win World Cup
The only thing worse than sacrificing a night's sleep to watch Australia thrash a depleted Sri Lanka is to lose a night's sleep watching rain interruptions. To add insult to injury, I was forced to listen to country music on ABC radio while waiting for play to commence. Apologies to any country music fans but it truly was excruciating. When the game finally began (at 2.15am Brisbane time!), the match had been reduced to 38 overs per innings.
It was worth the wait. Adam Gilchrist was due a big score and decimated the Sri Lanka bowling. I know what regular cricket-bloggers are thinking - I must have fallen asleep during the rain delay and missed Gilly's innings. I'm happy to say that unlike his equally dominant Perth century, I caught every ball of this innings that somehow managed to shrug off the JC curse. That it happened in a World Cup final made it all the sweeter.
Gilchrist exploded in the 3rd over hitting a 4 and 6 off Vaas, who surprisingly failed to move the ball through the air. Instead, Vaas lost his line and was tonked for 24 off his first 3 overs. In contrast, Malinga hurried the batsmen, conceding 6 off his first 4 overs. I finally got to see Malinga in action and can see why he's become cricket's next superstar. He has raw pace, a quirky yet effective action and an instant guarantee of cult status - funny hair (after all, Guy Sebastion won Australian Idol largely on the back of his fro).
In the 11th over, Fernando dropped a sharp caught and bowled chance off Gilchrist. Gilly repaid the favour with a 4-4-6 off the next 3 balls. Murali was brought in earlier than usual in the 12th over and immediately had Gilchrist floundering. But the runs continued to flow from the other end, hitting two sixes of one Dilshan over. He brought up the century off 72 balls. One of my favourite shots was a lofted mishit that bisected two outfielders so precisely, they were only several metres apart when the ball struck the ground.
But Gilly's luck finally ran out when he skied to mid-wicket, scoring 149 off 104 balls. The rest of Australia's innings was somewhat of an anticlimax. The fact that all the Aussie batsmen bar Gilchrist struggled to middle the ball underscores just how incredible his innings was. Australia's total ended up at 4 for 281 off 38 overs.
Sri Lanka had a good crack at the run chase but rain, some dodgy umpiring, bad light and just too many runs defeated them. Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara put on a vigorous 116 run partnership and were on par with Australia's total. But when Sangakkara pulled Hogg to mid-wicket and Clarke bowled Jayasuriya, the writing was on the wall. Rain interrupted Sri Lanka's innings, just after Jayasuriya's wicket. Bad light caused another interruption before the batsmen came out to bat out the last 4 overs in gloomy darkness finishing at 8 for 215. I'm surprised a stadium hosting a World Cup final didn't have flood lights. According to the boffins operating the Duckworth Lewis calculator, Australia won by 53.694 runs.
The shambles of the second innings was somehow a fitting way to end what has been a shambles of a World Cup. Australia were deserved winners - they dominated not just this match but every game throughout the tournament. It was just a damp squib of a way to finish a World Cup. Of course the ICC can't control the weather but hey, let's blame it on them anyway. Australia have the cup three times running now, winning the last 2 without dropping a game and haven't lost a World Cup match since before my 7 year old daughter was born. And now I'm off to bed...
| Posted by JC on Sun 29 Apr |  27 comments |
Congratulations to Australia. Is it just me or was the whole tournament painful to watch...boring matches...lack of atmosphere in the grounds..and no Gravy! Where is that guy?!
cricket bats
Posted by Debra on 2007-04-29 12:15:48
cricket bats
Posted by Debra on 2007-04-29 12:15:48
I stayed up all night too, I can put up with rain delays... nothing you can do about the weather.
But watching that ridiculous shambles at the end (which makes a mockery of cricket to the rest of the world) has left a very bad taste in my mouth.
I'm glad Australia won, but those people at the ground probably didn't get to see it. The ICC and the umpires need to take a long hard look at themselves.
Posted by Timbo on 2007-04-29 14:31:45
But watching that ridiculous shambles at the end (which makes a mockery of cricket to the rest of the world) has left a very bad taste in my mouth.
I'm glad Australia won, but those people at the ground probably didn't get to see it. The ICC and the umpires need to take a long hard look at themselves.
Posted by Timbo on 2007-04-29 14:31:45
Rise, Sir Adam..
Sir Adam Gilchrist, Knight of Bludgeon!!
Just how many times does he do it when it really matters. Like this morning, or changing the course of a Test Match in an hour. Me thinks he is becoming a bit of a show pony; only performs when the whole world is watching...
I thought Sri Lanka were cruising even after the loss of Sangakkara.
The tactical masterstroke was a single over from Michael Clarke. Jayasuriya, one eye on the approaching storm, t'other on Duckworth Lewis, could be seen salivating at the prospect of upping the run-rate. First five custards got what they deserved, the last not so when stumps were disturbed. Game, set, match, 3rd successive World Cup, go you good thing.
Commiserations VIC. The best team did win.
Thanks for all your efforts JC.
And, of course, best wishes Pigeon. No McGrath, no Warne. End of era.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-29 15:39:50
Sir Adam Gilchrist, Knight of Bludgeon!!
Just how many times does he do it when it really matters. Like this morning, or changing the course of a Test Match in an hour. Me thinks he is becoming a bit of a show pony; only performs when the whole world is watching...
I thought Sri Lanka were cruising even after the loss of Sangakkara.
The tactical masterstroke was a single over from Michael Clarke. Jayasuriya, one eye on the approaching storm, t'other on Duckworth Lewis, could be seen salivating at the prospect of upping the run-rate. First five custards got what they deserved, the last not so when stumps were disturbed. Game, set, match, 3rd successive World Cup, go you good thing.
Commiserations VIC. The best team did win.
Thanks for all your efforts JC.
And, of course, best wishes Pigeon. No McGrath, no Warne. End of era.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-29 15:39:50
Couldn't be any happier!!!! and also any more disgusted with the umpires and officials....anyway that was a sideshow and the feature presentation was the best one could ever get!!!!
Posted by Karthik Ranganathan on 2007-04-29 16:10:51
Posted by Karthik Ranganathan on 2007-04-29 16:10:51
Got to love that Gilly innings. The game was won as soon as he fired, instant gamebreaker.
I liked Ponting during this match, he made some good decisions, especially that Clarke over, which removed any chance of Sri Lanka winning.
Malinga was impressive, a Shaun Tait with incredible accuracy, his groupings were something you would expect from McGrath.
The end was a farce, these umpires should be fired or at least kicked back to the minnow league. Of course Australia don't have riots in the street, so I guess that won't happen. What a stupid end to a World Cup, I didn't know whether to laugh, or cringe.
Hopefully all I will remember is Gilly's innings, and I will look forward to the test series against Sri Lanka.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-29 16:47:17
I liked Ponting during this match, he made some good decisions, especially that Clarke over, which removed any chance of Sri Lanka winning.
Malinga was impressive, a Shaun Tait with incredible accuracy, his groupings were something you would expect from McGrath.
The end was a farce, these umpires should be fired or at least kicked back to the minnow league. Of course Australia don't have riots in the street, so I guess that won't happen. What a stupid end to a World Cup, I didn't know whether to laugh, or cringe.
Hopefully all I will remember is Gilly's innings, and I will look forward to the test series against Sri Lanka.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-29 16:47:17
Here are some photos of the last moments of the WC2007 final taken from Bridgetown Oval.
Truly amazing stuff.
Posted by Timbo on 2007-04-29 20:28:15
Truly amazing stuff.
Posted by Timbo on 2007-04-29 20:28:15
Thanks for that Timbo. I had trouble making sense of it all on
the television!!
Brilliant.
How many ICC officials does it take to change a lightbulb?
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/292777.html
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-29 21:07:05
the television!!
Brilliant.
How many ICC officials does it take to change a lightbulb?
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/292777.html
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-29 21:07:05
Does anyone here think this Australian side is the best side ever in cricket history?(in ODI's atleast)...Also being the first sporting team in history to win 3 world cups,could this team be the best sporting team ever?They couldnt be touched in this tournament but have the resources and tenacity to win in lost situations..eg.99 WC..your thoughts..
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-29 21:35:18
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-29 21:35:18
Ajesh, I actually did contemplate that - maybe not so much is Australia the best cricket side ever but has any cricket side ever been so dominant? To go through the World Cup undefeated twice is no small feat.
True, in the 2003 World Cup, we got into some hairy situations (and took several miracle innings from Andy Bichel and Andrew Symonds to rescue us). But the 2007 World Cup - no side even seemed to challenge us. Disappointingly one sided in the end.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-29 23:11:54
True, in the 2003 World Cup, we got into some hairy situations (and took several miracle innings from Andy Bichel and Andrew Symonds to rescue us). But the 2007 World Cup - no side even seemed to challenge us. Disappointingly one sided in the end.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-29 23:11:54
Gilchrist started the WC well then fell cheaply a couple of times (from memory) then came back with an amazing 149 in the final. I think we take for granted just how good he can be - Champion.
Hayden dominated.
Ponting, excellent batsmen as always and cunning captain.
Clarke showed he has a very big future.
Symonds did well.
All the bowlers did their jobs wether it be slowing the run rate and/or taking wickets.
Watson, I can see why the selectors like him.
Hodge was an excellent fielder :-) but I am sure him and Hussey would have done well if they were sent in.
All in all a great team... just wanted to take a moment to pay tribute.
Posted by Chris on 2007-04-29 23:50:08
Hayden dominated.
Ponting, excellent batsmen as always and cunning captain.
Clarke showed he has a very big future.
Symonds did well.
All the bowlers did their jobs wether it be slowing the run rate and/or taking wickets.
Watson, I can see why the selectors like him.
Hodge was an excellent fielder :-) but I am sure him and Hussey would have done well if they were sent in.
All in all a great team... just wanted to take a moment to pay tribute.
Posted by Chris on 2007-04-29 23:50:08
The nicest guy in the Aussie XI performed the best, and am I glad! I am no Aussie. I hate Hayden and Ponting when they bat well, but I always like Gilchrist for being a gentleman first and the best ever wicketkeeper batsman next. When he hits the ball, even opponents love to watch. That's the magic of the cleanest hitter of the ball...ever!
Sri Lankans bowled exceptionally well. Not one batsman except Gilly could convincingly put bat to ball. Not Hayden, not Ponting, not Symonds nor Clarke.
It was pure Gilchrist show. It was like he was playing on another strip, in Utopia. He alone saw the ball like a football.
Hats off Gilly. Sad, you are 35. How I wish you were 25!
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-04-30 03:47:58
Sri Lankans bowled exceptionally well. Not one batsman except Gilly could convincingly put bat to ball. Not Hayden, not Ponting, not Symonds nor Clarke.
It was pure Gilchrist show. It was like he was playing on another strip, in Utopia. He alone saw the ball like a football.
Hats off Gilly. Sad, you are 35. How I wish you were 25!
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-04-30 03:47:58
Congratulations Australia. The better team won in the end. I'm disappointed we couldn't finish victorious, what would have been a great achievement for Sri Lankan cricket. But, I'm extremely proud of our players. They didn't give up at any stage of the match. If it was a full 50 overs match, without and interruption from rain and D/L, the result would have been different. But it's a big IF. If you want to win a world cup, you have to play under any condition and under any circumstances and win. Australia did exactly that.
I'm thinking what would have happened if Sri Lankan bowlers managed to restrict Gilly for at least run a ball. Australia would have fall 45 runs off from their actual total. So, that Sri Lanka would have been chasing only 237 to win!!!! But again, it's another big IF.
Again, I congratulates Australia for winning it for the 3rd time. Surely you are the World Champions.
This is what I posted in my blog
http://landlikenoother.blogspot.com/2007/04/australian-cyborgs-retain-world-cup-for.html
Posted by Voice in Colombo on 2007-04-30 13:20:43
I'm thinking what would have happened if Sri Lankan bowlers managed to restrict Gilly for at least run a ball. Australia would have fall 45 runs off from their actual total. So, that Sri Lanka would have been chasing only 237 to win!!!! But again, it's another big IF.
Again, I congratulates Australia for winning it for the 3rd time. Surely you are the World Champions.
This is what I posted in my blog
http://landlikenoother.blogspot.com/2007/04/australian-cyborgs-retain-world-cup-for.html
Posted by Voice in Colombo on 2007-04-30 13:20:43
VIC,
Sorry I doubt if it was a 50 over match the result would have been any different.
Australia was on track to a 350 score, needing only a run a ball. Sri Lanka in this tournament have only ever managed a 300+ score (ignoring minnows) against the West Indies, (who has a terrible tournament). For that 300+ score to happen, Jayasuria needed a centuary.
Australia has a team of game breakers, most other teams are lucky to have 4. If the batters hadn't put enough runs on the board (which I doubt). Our bowlers would have done the job. Its just that sort of team.
But full credit to Sri Lanka, I am eagerly looking forward to the test series and hoping its more competitive than the Ashes.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-30 14:00:15
Sorry I doubt if it was a 50 over match the result would have been any different.
Australia was on track to a 350 score, needing only a run a ball. Sri Lanka in this tournament have only ever managed a 300+ score (ignoring minnows) against the West Indies, (who has a terrible tournament). For that 300+ score to happen, Jayasuria needed a centuary.
Australia has a team of game breakers, most other teams are lucky to have 4. If the batters hadn't put enough runs on the board (which I doubt). Our bowlers would have done the job. Its just that sort of team.
But full credit to Sri Lanka, I am eagerly looking forward to the test series and hoping its more competitive than the Ashes.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-30 14:00:15
VIC, I enjoyed your cyborg/super soldiers theory, explaining both the Aussie performance and how Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson heal so quickly (don't forget Glenn McGrath in the 2005 Ashes or Steve Waugh in the Ashes tour before that). However, considering how often Shane Watson breaks down, I'd take that model back to the shop for a complete overhaul.
BTW, we should exchange links via our blog rolls. Let me know via my contact page.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 14:10:53
BTW, we should exchange links via our blog rolls. Let me know via my contact page.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 14:10:53
I'd have thought 400 plus a real possibility for Australia had it been a 50 over innings. VIC, as a patriot (and optimist) you leave us Aussies for dead.
Cheers.
Might I say what a refreshing change it is to read on your website how the Sri Lankans will be welcomed home and treated as heroes. No burning effigies, stoning of houses etc. a la India, Pakistan. That is excellent.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-30 14:31:10
Cheers.
Might I say what a refreshing change it is to read on your website how the Sri Lankans will be welcomed home and treated as heroes. No burning effigies, stoning of houses etc. a la India, Pakistan. That is excellent.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-04-30 14:31:10
Gilchrist's innings was amazing, when he is on fire he is something else.
I thought Sri Lanka were in the game until Dilshan was run out and the weather got bad. They needed 11 runs an over and they were getting it!
It was a really generous gesture by Mahela to come back out onto the field, he is a very gracious captain. And I don't think Ponting even thanked the opposition in his acceptance speech!
Posted by MT on 2007-04-30 16:25:41
I thought Sri Lanka were in the game until Dilshan was run out and the weather got bad. They needed 11 runs an over and they were getting it!
It was a really generous gesture by Mahela to come back out onto the field, he is a very gracious captain. And I don't think Ponting even thanked the opposition in his acceptance speech!
Posted by MT on 2007-04-30 16:25:41
JC,
The word "Cyborg" is never an insult by any means to the Australian cricketers :-) It's the only explanation that we; non Aussies can think of the extraordinary performance of Australian cricketers.
Ever since (Mr.) Darrell Hair called Murali for throwing, in Perth (in 1995), we Sri Lankans have something "burning" inside our selves against the Aussies (Sorry to saying that:-) ). We got our revenge in 1996, but not this time.
But, I honestly admit the fact that present Australian team is the best in modern day cricket, and it's way too better than the Mark Taylor's 1996 team.
I'd like to exchange the links, but my blog is not a "cricket blog" as such. It's dedicated to discuss anything about Sri Lanka. Last few weeks it was completely dedicated for cricket. I'm planning to start a blog dedicated to cricket only, and once I finish that will link to you.
Dan Tas,
Yes it's true that our cricketer will get a red carpet reception in the airport. You know, Cricket is the only sport in this country which made us proud at international level. So, win or lose we always admire our cricketers. When I say "win or lose" it got to be a respectable defeat, as in the case of the final.
Posted by Voice in Colombo on 2007-04-30 17:07:40
The word "Cyborg" is never an insult by any means to the Australian cricketers :-) It's the only explanation that we; non Aussies can think of the extraordinary performance of Australian cricketers.
Ever since (Mr.) Darrell Hair called Murali for throwing, in Perth (in 1995), we Sri Lankans have something "burning" inside our selves against the Aussies (Sorry to saying that:-) ). We got our revenge in 1996, but not this time.
But, I honestly admit the fact that present Australian team is the best in modern day cricket, and it's way too better than the Mark Taylor's 1996 team.
I'd like to exchange the links, but my blog is not a "cricket blog" as such. It's dedicated to discuss anything about Sri Lanka. Last few weeks it was completely dedicated for cricket. I'm planning to start a blog dedicated to cricket only, and once I finish that will link to you.
Dan Tas,
Yes it's true that our cricketer will get a red carpet reception in the airport. You know, Cricket is the only sport in this country which made us proud at international level. So, win or lose we always admire our cricketers. When I say "win or lose" it got to be a respectable defeat, as in the case of the final.
Posted by Voice in Colombo on 2007-04-30 17:07:40
Dan Tas,I doubt Australia would have crossed 400 because the fact that it was only a 38 over game enabled gilly and haydos to play with gay abandon and tee off in the overs 11 to 22.If it were a 50 over game gilly may have hit a couple of sixes and been more sircumspect..
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-30 18:02:46
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-30 18:02:46
Ajesh have you never seen Gilchrist bat before? When he fires he doesn't become more circumspect, he just hits harder.
Gilly knows the whole point of his innings is to score quickly and know he if he gets out he has backup.
Any thing under 350+ (needing only 6 runs an over) would have required a very poor performance from Australia. Either way, very unlikely for Sri Lanka to achieve.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-30 19:28:35
Gilly knows the whole point of his innings is to score quickly and know he if he gets out he has backup.
Any thing under 350+ (needing only 6 runs an over) would have required a very poor performance from Australia. Either way, very unlikely for Sri Lanka to achieve.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-04-30 19:28:35
What I meant was the aussies played with more freedom.If it were a 50 overgame they may not have thrown their bats around at over 11 itself.They would have been aggressive but not as much as they were with overs reduced.350 was definately on but 400,I'm not so sure.Sri Lanka would have found it hard anyway.Well the bottom line is that the Aussies are the best,no point arguing about that I hope!
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-30 20:46:02
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-04-30 20:46:02
LOL Timbo. What the hell is that website?!
BTW, I tweaked your URL (added some spaces) so it didn't break the website design. The link still works the same.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 21:02:26
BTW, I tweaked your URL (added some spaces) so it didn't break the website design. The link still works the same.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 21:02:26
VIC, don't lump all Australia in with Darrell Hair - many of us think he's a nutbag also. Here's my thoughts on what type of person Hair is.
As for Sri Lanka's performance in the WC final, I thought they did themselves proud. If their innings hadn't been interrupted by rain and bad light, who knows what might have happened. They were unlucky that the ticking timebomb that is Adam Gilchrist just happened to explode when it mattered most.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 21:06:43
As for Sri Lanka's performance in the WC final, I thought they did themselves proud. If their innings hadn't been interrupted by rain and bad light, who knows what might have happened. They were unlucky that the ticking timebomb that is Adam Gilchrist just happened to explode when it mattered most.
Posted by JC on 2007-04-30 21:06:43
I agree with Andrew, Gilchrist NEVER holds back. He goes for it every time and thats what the team want him to do.
Posted by Chris on 2007-04-30 22:45:01
Posted by Chris on 2007-04-30 22:45:01
I know it's all hypothetical, just what the Aussies might have totalled had the game been a 50 over one. But people seem to have short memories about the batting we still had up our sleeve.
Symonds, a harder hitter of the cricket ball than even Gilchrist, Hussey who I'd have backed in to score good, fast runs in the final. And Clarke was still there
(mind you, he needs to eat a few more of Brett Lee's Weet Bix if he's to become a power hitter).
I'd have wagered 100 in the last ten, not an uncommon event these days.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-05-01 09:27:04
Symonds, a harder hitter of the cricket ball than even Gilchrist, Hussey who I'd have backed in to score good, fast runs in the final. And Clarke was still there
(mind you, he needs to eat a few more of Brett Lee's Weet Bix if he's to become a power hitter).
I'd have wagered 100 in the last ten, not an uncommon event these days.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-05-01 09:27:04
Whatever the scenario, it is more likely that Aussies would have still won.
But, but.... all Aussie batsmen other than Gilly struggled. Am wondering if Fernando had taken the low return catch to dismiss Gilly...
But, again you never know the Aussies.. even at 125 for 7, you will have Tait or Bracken taking the score to about 210 or so.. and still may have contained the Lankans...
However, hats off to the Lankans, who were clearly the second best team in the tournament, a feat which they can be proud of. They looked best equipped to take on the might of the Aussies.
But, as I wrote earlier in this blog, the nicest Aussie guy performed and the world watched in amazement. You can never hate Gilly, however bitter you are a rival of the Aussies.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-05-02 04:05:41
But, but.... all Aussie batsmen other than Gilly struggled. Am wondering if Fernando had taken the low return catch to dismiss Gilly...
But, again you never know the Aussies.. even at 125 for 7, you will have Tait or Bracken taking the score to about 210 or so.. and still may have contained the Lankans...
However, hats off to the Lankans, who were clearly the second best team in the tournament, a feat which they can be proud of. They looked best equipped to take on the might of the Aussies.
But, as I wrote earlier in this blog, the nicest Aussie guy performed and the world watched in amazement. You can never hate Gilly, however bitter you are a rival of the Aussies.
Cheers
Mahesh
Posted by Mahesh on 2007-05-02 04:05:41
Post New Comment
You need to be logged in to post a comment. If you're new, register here. Existing users, login via the right margin.
