Ponting has led Australia to two of their last three World Cup victories

1515 GMT: Ahmedabad police commissioner Amitabh Pathak has announced that security for the India-Australia quarter-final on Thursday will be "much more robust" than for the two earlier matches in the city, but says there is "no specific terror threat" for the game. (Reuters)

Meanwhile, local media reports also claim that Mumbai Police plan to deploy "only fit and good-looking" officers for the final on 2 April, rather than "overweight and tobacco-chewing" personnel. (Reuters)

Ricky Ponting could be in the final week of his nine-year reign as Australia's captain after it was revealed the 36-year-old is likely to face stiff opposition at board level to retain his job after the World Cup for the tour of Bangladesh in April.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

However, batsman Michael Hussey says captain Ponting has "the full support of the team" ahead of their quarter-final with India in Ahmedabad on Thursday. "Champions rise in big matches and we will see him at his best against India," said Hussey. (Associated Press)

Australia coach Tim Nielsen says they will be treating their quarter-final against tournament co-hosts India in Ahmedabad on Thursday as a "mini grand final".
Full story: Cricinfo

West Indies are confident that they will return to full strength for their World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan in Mirpur on Wednesday, with big-hitting Chris Gayle and fast bowler Kemar Roach coming back into the side.
Full story: the News (Pakistan)

Meanwhile, West Indies captain Darren Sammy says his side "can't keep collapsing" if they are to beat Pakistan. The all-rounder admitted the Caribbean side "lost their way" in the last two matches of the group stages, but is confident they can "put the past behind them" ahead of the game in Mirpur. (Press Association)

Sri Lanka chief selector Aravinda de Silva believes England will be tough opponents as the two sides prepare for their quarter-final in Colombo on Saturday. The former World Cup winner said: "They have the potential to upset any side on their day."
Full story: Daily News (Sri Lanka)

Batting coach Graham Gooch says England need to "find the X factor" if they are to win their first World Cup. Gooch was a losing finalist at the 1979, 1987 and 1992 World Cups.
Full story: Daily Mirror

South Africa off-spinner Johan Botha says he is enjoying his role as opening bowler ahead of Friday's quarter-final against New Zealand in Mirpur. The 28-year-old was handed the new ball in the group games against West Indies and Bangladesh. Botha added: "I am probably doing more of a holding job and controlling the bowling from one side and they have all been taking wickets from the other." (Reuters)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version