Sydney: Australia captain Michael Clarke couldn’t stop praising Steven Smith for his match-winning ton against India. “I can’t speak highly enough for the way he’s batting at the moment. He’s showing his class. But most importantly, I think the one thing I’ve learnt through my career is getting into good form and scoring runs is a fantastic feeling, but still, to go to training the next day to work on your game. That’s what makes you a great player, and that’s what I’ve been really proud with Smithy,” said Clarke.
Bring on Melbourne, says Smith
Sydney: Supremely confident after masterminding Australia’s passage to the final, Steven Smith led the team’s war cry for Sunday’s summit clash against New Zealand. “We thought 330 was around par score. We knew we had to bowl and field well and you know the boys did a terrific job tonight. It’s nice to contribute to a few wins. It was a pretty big stage tonight and just happy that we got over the line in the end,” said Smith. “Bring on Melbourne. Hopefully, another big hundred would be nice. It’s going to be an amazing moment to play a World Cup final against New Zealand at the MCG.”
Security beefed up at Dhoni’s Ranchi residence
Ranchi: Security has been beefed up at captain MS Dhoni’s residence after India’s exit from the World Cup. City’s Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar said that taking unruly fan behaviour into consideration, security has been stepped up in and around Dhoni’s residence.
No Asian team in final for first time since 1987
Sydney: Sunday’s final between Australia and New Zealand will be the first title clash without an Asian team since 1987. The last final without an Asian challenger was played in 1987 when Australia beat England by seven runs at the Eden Gardens. From 1992 to 2011, either India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan reached the title clash. — Agencies