Australia face tense weather ahead of Zimbabwe clash
September 12 : Cape Town: Title favourites Australia is not likely to just steamroll Zimbabwe in its opening game of the ICC World Twenty20 at Newlands in Cape Town.

Yes, you heard it right. It's not going to be easy, and it has got more to do with the weather than anything else.

It's been raining consistently in Cape Town, and with a strong northwest wind blowing, it's a bad sign for the evening, as the game is slotted to commence at 6 pm South Africa time.

The conditions will be damp and heavy, and won't be easy at all for the stroke makers. Australia will have in its ranks skipper Ricky Ponting but all-rounder Shane Watson – who has joined the squad as well – looks doubtful for the opening match.

The world Champions are carrying a few niggling injuries as well. Michael Clarke has an abdominal strain and Matthew Hayden suffered from back spasms after the warm-up game against South Africa, which the Aussies lost convincingly.

"It's going to be a heavy ground," said Australia's new coach Tim Nielsen, "If it's going to seam around and swing a bit it's certainly going to put the balance in the favour of the bowlers so it will be a different game to what we've played over the last couple of days."

The Zimbabweans have a spring in their step. Although they lost 3-0 against South Africa recently, their batting showed courage. Said their top player Tatenda Taibu, "Australia is the best team and it's an honour playing them, but here at the Newlands, with the weather being what it is, it's going to be tough for anyone. If we can get a few early wickets, we can put them under some pressure. Also, no one's giving us a chance so we have nothing to lose."

Indeed, that's the catch word. Nothing to lose. If the Zimbabweans can come out all guns blazing and most importantly without getting intimidated, we would certainly have a game on our hands.

Australia would be looking to have a bowl if they win the toss, and this would be the pattern most of the time for this tournament. Almost all the captains think chasing a target gives them a bigger chance of winning. Agreed Nielsen, "Even if you lose a few early wickets, you have a chance to recover. It seems the general pattern would be to win the toss, have a bowl."

While Australia may have some worries about the fitness and combination of their batters, the bowling looks sound. Brett Lee steamed in the warm-up games and bowled some very quick deliveries, which is a good sign as he is coming off an injury.

The likes of Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson, Andrew Symonds and spinner Brad Hogg are capable enough to do the job against any opposition and in any condition.

The tickets have been sold off and the crowds can't wait for the curtain to rise at Newlands.

       
         

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