banner watch listen bbc sport watch listen
Skip to main content Text Only version of this page
BBC
Home
TV
Radio
Talk
Where I Live
A-Z Index
| Help
---------------
---------------
---------------
Languages
Hindi
Urdu
 
CHOOSE A SPORT
BBC News
BBC Weather
BBC Sport Academy
Last Updated:  Sunday, 9 March, 2003, 15:19 GMT
Symonds blow for Australia
Adam Gilchrist
Gilchrist is wary of the New Zealand threat

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been ruled out of Tuesday's World Cup Super Six game against New Zealand.

Symonds, who has a groin strain, had an encouraging fitness test on Sunday but Australia decided not to risk him.

Team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said: "He's coming along well but we've decided to hold him back from Tuesday's game.

"We are optimistic he's going to be available for Saturday's (final Super Six) game against Kenya."

Symonds made a match-winning 143 not out against Pakistan in the first round and is averaging 101 after three innings.

He hurt his groin last week, missing the first Super Six match against Sri Lanka.

Australia are bidding for a record-equalling ninth consecutive World Cup win.

Clive Lloyd's West Indies side hold the record after their winning streak in the 1975 and 1979 tournaments.

But Australia vice-captain Adam Gilchrist is wary of coming unstuck against the Black Caps in Centurion.

He said: "I'm sure those conditions will suit their type of bowling.

"And there's no hiding there are certain teams in the wash-up you'd prefer to play, given their records."

Despite being wary of the Kiwis, Gilchrist insisted the Australians would continue to show their ruthless streak in closing out games.

He added: "With a team like England or New Zealand the chance to send those teams out means there's one less team who are genuine contenders.

They are playing very well so we are going to have to be at the top of our game
New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns

"We've got to aim for that because that's got to make life fractionally more easy."

Australia have not lost in 13 one-day internationals and have been undefeated in their last 14 World Cup games, including the tie with South Africa in the 1999 tournament.

Australia hold a 3-2 advantage in the previous five World Cup encounters between the two sides.

In their last two one-day meetings, New Zealand have come off second best but they need to win at least one more game to book their place in the semi-finals.

All-rounder Chris Cairns is confident his side can continue their winning ways in the Super Six, having convincingly beaten Kenya.

He said: "We identified the fact we need two wins out of the three games to go through.

"We have got a big match next against the Australians.

"They are playing very, very well so we are going to have to be at the top of our game."




SEE ALSO
Ponting promises no let-up
07 Mar 03 |  World Cup
Aussies overpower Sri Lanka
07 Mar 03 |  World Cup
Australia looking unstoppable
07 Mar 03 |  World Cup
Cairns delighted with win
08 Mar 03 |  New Zealand
Astle sinks Zimbabwe
08 Mar 03 |  Team Pages


RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Daily e-mail | Sport on mobiles/PDAs


Back to top

World Cup | Fixtures & Results | Scorecards | Tables & Averages | Team Pages | History
Have Your Say | Photo Galleries | Test Match Special
Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us