Australia take on rivals New Zealand in a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final clash at the MCG.
SEE ALSO:
(Video Highlights) Steve Smith stars as Australia reach Cricket World Cup final with 95-run win over India
(Video) Australia v India: BIG WICKET! David Warner gone for just 12, Australia in early trouble!
(Video) Australia v India: HE’S OUT! Aussie skipper Michael Clarke falls cheaply to Mohit Sharma for just 10!
The pressure could not be higher for both sides as they aim to lift the trophy on the hallowed turf at the ‘G , but which will be the biggest battles to keep an eye on?
Check them out below!
Michael Clarke v Brendon McCullum
Who will come out on top in the battle of the captains?
Michael Clarke is no doubt one of the best captains in recent times, but Brendon McCullum has helped transform the Black Caps from also-rans to major competitors.
McCullum may have more of a say with the bat, but he’ll have to outhink Clarke tactically if New Zealand are to come out on top.
David Warner v Trent Boult
Boult will be looking to get on top of the out-of-touch Warner in the opening stages of Australia’s innings, with thr fiery batsman struggling for runs during the World Cup.
The Kiwi quick has been on fire throughout the tournament and has already tasted success against the Aussies in the group stage.
Steve Smith v Tim Southee
Smith’s brilliant 105 setup Australia’s 95-run semi-final win over India on Thursday, and he’ll be looking for a repeat performance on the grandest of stages.
One man who’ll be looking to knock Smith over early will be Tim Southee, who’s partnership with fellow quick Boult has been the deadliest of the tournament.
Shane Watson v Corey Anderson
A battle of the all-rounders, Watson and Anderson have been compared throughout their careers and now they’ll do battle in a World Cup final.
Watson showed his susceptibility to the short ball in the quarter-final against Pakistan, but he came out of it unscathed and put in a man of the match performance.
Anderson was instrumental in New Zeland’s nail-biting semi-final win over South Africa, producing figures of 3-72 and notching up 58 with the bat.
Mitchell Starc v Martin Guptill
Guptill’s World Cup record 237 in quarter-finals made the cricket world stand up and take notice of sublime talent, but it remains to be seen how he deals with the Australian pace attack.
Mitchell Starc left-arm swing has the potential to catch the Kiwi opener out early, and Guptill may have to weather an early storm before aiming to push on for a big score.
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