AUSTRALIA'S ICC World Cup cricket fortunes could rest on the shoulders of St George fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and Sutherland Cricket Club duo Steve Smith and Shane Watson.
With the Kiwis defeating South Africa and reaching their first World Cup final — to be played on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — Australia plays its semi-final against India today, Thursday, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
St George fast-bowler Hazlewood made his Test debut against India in November in Brisbane. He took 5-68 on debut and from three Tests has 12 wickets.
Pat Cummins was selected ahead of him for some of the games in the World Cup but then the selectors put him back into the side and the big speedster took 4-35 in a lively 10-over spell. Hazlewood has played just three games in the tournament.
Yet he could be the man to stop India's aggressive and free-scoring top order in the semi-final.
Hazlewood, 24, is from Bendemeer in NSW, 40 kilometres north of Tamworth. While Australia's starting XI won't be finalised publicly before the 2.30pm start, Thursday, Hazlewood, Smith and Watson will all play.
Shane Watson, who was dropped for Australia's match against Afghanistan in Perth then re-instated for the match with Sri Lanka, has responded with good batting scores. He admitted it was a wake-up call.
Sometimes a professional sportsperson needs a jolt to spur them into action. It worked with the all-rounder.
Watson seems suited batting at No.5 or No.6 in the order and Sutherland teammate Steve Smith has slotted in well at No.3.
Smith looks composed and assured in the series, just like he has at Test level the past year taking all before him and churning out runs.
Smith relishes batting earlier in the one-day games with the frantic pace and fast run rate set at the start of the innings and his ability run well between the wickets crucial.
Hazlewood's, Watson's and Smith's contributions in the knockout semi-final could well determine our fate.
It's a promoter's dream for an Australia versus New Zealand final on Sunday.
Can Australia defeat India in the semi-final at the SCG today and set up a clash with New Zealand in the final at the MCG on Sunday?
