On prowl Aussies sense a kill against Ireland

In an unpredictable World Cup which has witnessed Davids slaying Goliaths with an uncanny frequency, siding Ireland would still be deemed outlandish when they face reigning champions Australia in their Super Eights match here tomorrow.

Nothing to take away from the debutants. Ireland have played far better than what was expected from them. They even tossed out a former champion -- Pakistan -- from the showpiece event. Exceptional bowling, electrifying fielding and decent batting have helped them win admirers, if not matches. But they now face a team that has steamrolled one and all that came their way in the tournament so far.

The reigning World Champions resemble a pride on its prime, commanding respect out of sheer fear they instill in the rival camps.

Their batsmen have came blazing all guns and leading from the front is Mathew Hayden. 'Big Matt' is riding the one-day form of his life and at 436 from six matches is just five runs short of top-scorer Jacques Kallis in the tournament.

Infact, Hayden has already muscled his way to becoming the fastest -- in terms of days lapsed -- to reach 1000 runs in a year.

He reached the landmark during his unbeaten 47 against Bangladesh in the World Cup on March 31, nearly two months quicker than Rahul Dravid in 1999. It's a remarkable feat considering that he's reached it in only 18 matches.

Meanwhile, skipper Ricky Ponting isn't far behind while Michael Clarke has three half-centuries in his kitty in the tournament. Only Michael Hussey had looked off colour and would be desperate to get back among runs.

The only chink in their armoury has been their bowling. It had clicked, but in patches. Veteran Glenn McGrath has become the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup but he has taken some whipping as well. But for the last match against England, fiery Shaun Tait has been misfiring throughout the tourney.

However, both of them as well as Nathan Bracken would be raring to go tomorrow after having a good look at mouthwatering bouncy Kensington Oval pitch -- the best World Cup has offered to the fast bowlers.

But it is double-edged sword as it provide Ireland their only chance, however little, in tomorrow's mismatch. Their bowlers, notably Boyd Raikin, have been keeping extraordinary line and length in the event.

At 6 ft 7 inches, Raikin has frame that makes him stand out but it has been his top class bowling that gained him the stature.

And he will be Ireland's trump card tomorrow. If the bowlers support him from the other end and fare well in the death, they might just have a match in hand.

Ireland Coach Adrian Birell summed up by saying that his team would follow the basics.

''The idea is to force them to make mistakes. If we get early wickets then they will come under pressure,'' he said.

UNI MT DH VV1730

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