Australia steamrolled past South Africa to reach the finals for the third successive time. After all the big talk from the South African camp before the clash of being ready to put up a big fight, they failed to walk the talk. It proved to be a one sided game, with the Aussies hardly breaking into sweat.
The Aussies didn't have do anything more than turn up and play their normal game. It was the South Africans who once again seemed to be suffering from stage fright on the big stage when it really mattered. They were responsible for their own demise after winning the toss and deciding to bat. They needed to take the initiative by dictating terms and posting a big total to have any chance against the seemingly indestructible Aussies. What transpired was a pitiful batting display leading the Proteas to post their lowest total in the World Cup. It begs the question of whether the team still carries mental scars from previous tournaments when they have failed to produce at a similar stage.
You have to applaud the Aussies for their thorough professional performances throughout the tournament. Those stalwarts Hayden and McGrath again produced fine performances with bat and ball respectively to see the Aussies home at a canter. They have beaten every team that they have played by a huge margin to signify the gap that exists between them and the rest.
It remains to be seen whether Sri Lanka, with their powerful bowling lineup, that the Aussies have yet to encounter, can dismantle them from their lofty perch. They have the team and the game that can challenge the Aussies on the day but they will have to fire on all cylinders and then some to beat the mighty Aussies and stop them from being crowned World Champions for the third successive time.
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