Melbourne: New Zealand seamer Tim Southee believes the Black Caps have the experience and the firepower to topple Australia in Sunday’s World Cup final in Melbourne.
Southee said the Black Caps were relishing the opportunity of playing in their maiden World Cup final – a match that will also mark New Zealand’s first appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in six years.
New Zealand are the form side of the tournament having won all eight of their matches at this World Cup, a sequence that includes two dramatic clashes in Auckland — a one-wicket win over Australia in the pool phase and Tuesday’s semi-final defeat of South Africa sealed by Grant Elliott’s six off the second-last ball.
Australia captain Michael Clarke reckons his side’s knowledge of playing at the MCG will be a major factor in the final as the home team chase a fifth World Cup title following their emphatic 95-run semi-final victory over defending champions India in Sydney on Thursday.
But that doesn’t wash with Southee, who has claimed 15 wickets at 27.13 in the tournament and formed a potent new-ball combination with left-armer Trent Boult, the tournament’s leading bowler with 21 wickets at 15.76.
“We are not worried about the size of the ground. “It’s a dream come true for all the guys. This is as good as it gets, taking on Australia in Australia on one of the best cricket grounds in the world,” Southee told reporters at the MCG on Friday. (AFP)
