A view from the Gully (15 June 1999)
Stephen Rodger Waugh, the belligerent Australian captain, put the South African attack to the sword and led his team's charge to the semifinal of 1999 World Cup
15-Jun-1999
15 June 1999
A view from the Gully
Tawfiq Aziz Khan
Stephen Rodger Waugh, the belligerent Australian captain, put the
South African attack to the sword and led his team's charge to the
semifinal of 1999 World Cup. The 34-year-old skipper of the sinking
Australian schooner, dropped at 56, steered his boat successfully
through rough waters without batting an eyelid. This was one of his
finest hours as captain of a team that has come under criticism in
recent times for not performing to its full potential under his
leadership.
Australia's precarious passage to the Super Six belied all
expectations about this highly competent outfit. They did not carry
with them any points from the first round matches and that made their
task enormously difficult. They had to win all three of the Super Six
matches, two of them against India and their traditional rivals South
Africa. This was a fight unto finish for them because if they did not
win they would start their journey back home. Alistair Douglas Ross
Campbell, the Zimbabwean captain, was waiting in the wings with his
heart in his mouth for a South African win to take them to the semis.
But that was no concern for Steve Waugh. Dave Houghton, their coach
was, of course, more practical as he did not expect others to carry
them into the semifinal.
South Africa put all their efforts for a win in this match but
Jacques Kallis' absence was pronounced. Niki Boje was no substitute
for the top all-rounder of the game. All the good work done by Gibbs,
Kirsten and Cullinan almost went astray by indiscreet shots from
Cullinan himself and soon after by Cronje. That led to the rearguard
action by Jonty Rhodes and invariably Lance Klusener. The final total
on this bouncy Headingley wicket on a grey day had appeared
comfortably dependable until Steve Waugh appeared at the crease.
Disaster looked straight into the face of Australia as Mark, Adam and
Damien departed in quick succession. That heralded the arrival of
Steve Waugh and he immediately went into action. Desperate situation
needs desperate remedy. With Ricky Ponting supporting from the other
end the South African attack was torn into shreds. The run rate never
went out of control and during the last six overs of a ball-a-run
ratio Bevan and Moody extended their helping hands. The Aussies
coasted with two deliveries to spare.
This was a thrilling finish to an important match, especially for the
victors; the vanquished will, however, have to play the same opponent
in the semifinal on Thursday at Edgbaston and they will have a chance
of getting even. Young Herschelle Gibbs have reasons to be happy for
his superb one-day ton and so has Cronje for the much-needed
stability at the top of the batting. Cullinan won his battle against
Warne but as always the bowler had the last laugh.
Thursday's match between these two teams should turn out to be
equally absorbing and tomorrow's semifinal between Pakistan and New
Zealand can spring a surprise or two now that the Kiwis have made it
from nowhere will definitely try to prove a point or two in their
favour.
Source :: The Daily Star