Warne opens his big mouth

Tigers_eye · #1 March 2, 2007, 04:17 PM

Warne dismisses South Africa as World Cup contenders

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Shane Warne has dismissed South Africa's chances of winning the World Cup, insisting New Zealand and Sri Lanka pose a bigger threat to Australia's title defence.
The retired spinner said South Africa, who recently replaced Australia as the world's number one ranked team in one-day cricket, lacked the flair required to win the championship in the Caribbean, starting on March 13.
"I don't think South Africa are a chance," Warne told the Australian Associated Press on Friday.
"They're very regimented. I know they're rated the number one side in the world at the moment but I don't think they're the best side in the world."
Warne, who was named man of the match in Australia's 1999 World Cup win over Pakistan, said New Zealand and Sri Lanka loomed as the biggest dangers to Australia's bid to win an unprecedented third straight title.
"I just like the way they play," he said.
"I reckon they're a chance with the small grounds and the way the wickets will play. I'm sure they'll be a very good chance."
Australia were overwhelming favourites to win the tournament a month ago before suddenly losing five games in a row but Warne was confident Ricky Ponting's men would rediscover their form when it mattered.
"I don't have any doubts whatsoever about the Australian side. They'll be fine," Warne said. "It's just a little bit of a hiccup. If they can sort a few little issues out and get their team right -- the one they want in terms of selections -- get their bowling right in the middle periods and in the end I'm sure they'll be fine."

http://in.sports.yahoo.com/070302/137/6cqwx.html

So the mud slinging begins. They must have circled the date when they play each other in the group match.

What do you guys make out of this?

zakirc · #2 March 2, 2007, 04:41 PM

Your titles says it all ...

*AsifTheManRahman* · #3 March 2, 2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigers_eye
What do you guys make out of this?

I think this sort of bakko binimoy is fun/interesting. creates a sense of competition off the set that players can also take onto the field, thereby providing us, spectators, with a gem of a game.

gatekeeper · #4 March 2, 2007, 05:00 PM

You kinda expect this from Warne but I must say I agree with a lot of what he has to say.

akabir77 · #5 March 2, 2007, 05:02 PM

is he commentating anywhere this WC. he is much better them D flemming...

Spitfire_x86 · #6 March 2, 2007, 05:34 PM

South Africa suffered heavy defeat twice in the ICCCT (against NZ in the group stage and against WI in the semifinal).

The are not the #1 Australia once was. After Australia they have the 2nd best chance, but it'll not be a major upset if they don't win the WC.

billah · #7 March 2, 2007, 05:47 PM

I would love to see Australia exit in the first round.. oh that would be so sweet !!

gatekeeper · #8 March 2, 2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billah
I would love to see Australia exit in the first round.. oh that would be so sweet !!

Yes, Autralia's exit would indeed please me but never understimate the heart of a champion. No matter how bruised they are they may find just enough strength to get the job done.

ialbd · #9 March 2, 2007, 06:02 PM

i guess the whole world (cricketing world) badly wants Aus not to win this time....

they somehow do it.... bruised / battered..... but they still do it....

Hatebreed · #10 March 2, 2007, 06:07 PM

Oh how much I'd love to see Aus not get past the 2nd round.

kalpurush · #11 March 3, 2007, 01:45 AM

I will take rather Australia than New Zeland or England as WC champion untill the last day I lived!

Kabir · #12 March 3, 2007, 01:47 AM

NZ and England are big no nos. I would like WI or SL to win this time. Australia should exit through the first round gates.

Oh well, wishful thinking I guess.

Spitfire_x86 · #13 March 3, 2007, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabir
NZ and England are big no nos. I would like WI or SL to win this time. Australia should exit through the first round gates.

Oh well, wishful thinking I guess.

Not completely unrealistic if you count Super 8 as first round. The real World Cup starts from Super 8 anyway.

cricket_pagol · #14 March 3, 2007, 02:36 AM

South Africa won quietly heavily recently... but they played most of their games in South Africa. So i think SA's chance is not that great. Besides, SA has a habit ofchoking under pressure. Let's see what happens.

Sovik · #15 March 3, 2007, 07:22 AM

it was expected.

Ahmed_B · #16 March 3, 2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billah
I would love to see Australia exit in the first round.. oh that would be so sweet !!

Hmm.. with the Dutch or Scots qualifying!