View Full Version : Punter : Proteas still chokers
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21587382-2882,00.html
They will only discard this tag if they beat us in a big game.
Cooldude
20 Apr 2007, 13:38
Although there isn't a quote where he's actually said they're still chokers
Nah, that's just Romeo's anti SA bias due to Smith completely outplaying KP in a huge way... in a ODI game that actually counted for something.
RoosterLad
20 Apr 2007, 13:57
Romeo should be sued over this, false quoting on Bigfooty.
Romeo should be sued over this, false quoting on Bigfooty.
In the hard copy of the Herald Sun, which is where I was alerted to the article, that was the headline. He does say though that while they won a big match they still haven't done it in a semi or final.
He thinks they're facing mission impossible in terms of beating us.
Ponting throws down gauntlet to Proteas
Australian captain Ricky Ponting has warned South Africa they are facing mission impossible if they think they can beat his side in the World Cup semi-finals next week.
Australia, going for a third successive World Cup title, looked in ominous form when they demolished New Zealand by 215 runs (http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1903115.htm) in their last Super Eights game this morning.
The world champions will face Graeme Smith's Proteas in the second semi-final in St Lucia on Wednesday, buoyed by clinching their ninth win in nine matches in the Caribbean.
"We are very confident and we will take a lot of beating in that semi-final," Ponting said.
"We are demonstrating that we are very dominant. We are batting well with some great partnerships and are right on track at the moment. We're going great."
Ponting tipped Brad Hogg to play a big role against the Proteas.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Hogg took 4 for 29 against the Black Caps and only team-mate Glenn McGrath (22) has taken more than Hogg's 19 wickets at this World Cup.
Having already defeated South Africa by 83 runs in a group match last month, Ponting was confident Hogg and the likes of part-time spinners Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds could help deliver another victory against the Proteas, known for a weakness against slow bowling.
"South Africa probably won't play a spinner in their side. Those conditions and the way our spin bowlers are going, probably give us a bit of an edge," Ponting said.
Special praise
Ponting reserved special praise for Matthew Hayden, who hit his third century of the tournament, and all-rounder Shane Watson who returned from a three-match absence with an unbeaten 65 as well as a wicket against New Zealand.
"Shane was tremendous and looked good and Matty is in the form of his one-day career. It's great to have him back in the side, he's dragging a few of us along with him and he's churning out the runs. I hope he can keep it going," Ponting said.
Hayden now has 580 runs in the tournament at an average of 82.85.
However, Hayden, who was out of the team last year before fighting his way back into contention, refused to get carried away by his success despite becoming only the third man to make three centuries at a World Cup.
"We have two more matches to go and it all will mean zero if we don't go all the way," he said.
"I have put in a lot of work to get back in the side. You need a lot of dedication to be part of this team. I'm very proud of what I've achieved."
-AFP