Sydney: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell seems quite unhappy with the way the co-hosts performed in their last World Cup match (the quarter-final against Pakistan), so refuses to tip them as firm favourites to beat India in today's battle. <img title="Ian Chappell outside his home in the Bayview area of Sydney's Narabeen suburb. Pic/Ashwin Ferro" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/mar/26Ian-Chappell-1.jpg" alt="Ian Chappell outside his home in the Bayview area of Sydney's Narabeen suburb. Pic/Ashwin Ferro" /> Ian Chappell outside his home in the Bayview area of Sydney's Narabeen suburb. Pic/Ashwin Ferro&nbsp;
"If you asked me about this match (semi-final) a week back, I would have picked Australia straightaway.
But after watching the Pakistan game, I think I'll put it down to a 50-50 chance of victory for both teams, and that is a compliment to India for sure," Chappell told mid-day near his home here.
The 71-year-old cricket pundit went on to justify his comment. "Firstly, (opener Aaron) Finch is not looking good. I don't think smart bowlers will be troubled by him too much. India just need to swing the ball a bit and he won't be able to get around it.
He's already failed five times in a row (Finch scored 135 in the tournament opener against England after which he has only managed scores of 14, 4, 24, 20 &amp; 2 in the next five matches), so his confidence is a bit low. Besides, now he'll be playing better bowling. <img title="Australia's Aaron Finch is bowled by NZ's Tim Southee at Eden Park, Auckland on February 28. Pic/Getty Images" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/mar/26Aaron-Finch.jpg" alt="Australia's Aaron Finch is bowled by NZ's Tim Southee at Eden Park, Auckland on February 28. Pic/Getty Images" /> Australia's Aaron Finch is bowled by NZ's Tim Southee at Eden Park, Auckland on February 28. Pic/Getty Images&nbsp;
Against weaker teams, you may get away. Skipper Michael Clarke's batting form is also a concern," said Chappell, who played 75 Tests between 1964 and 1980, and never lost a Test series in his 30-Test tenure as captain.
Chappell said India's strength is the spin department, but felt that Axar Patel would be a better bet than Ravindra Jadeja.
"The advantage for India is spin bowling, both bowling it and also the fact that Australia don't play spin so well. But they'd have a greater advantage if they would field a good left-arm orthodox spinner like Patel instead of Jadeja who doesn't spin it so much." Pace vs spin Finally, it's 1.5 points-a-piece to both teams, almost like a chess points rating system, in Chappell&rsquo;s book. "I think in the fast bowling department, Australia are ahead and in the spin segment, India are up. In the batting department, things are pretty even. But if India can get a couple of early wickets, it will be very interesting for the defending champions," concluded Chappell. &nbsp;

ICC World Cup: It's just another game, says Michael Clarke

Former Australia captain reckons hosts are no more favourites for today's World Cup semi-final against India after a scratchy show against Pakistan last week

ICC World Cup: India have 50 percent chance to win, says Ian Chappell

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Sports / Cricket / Article / ICC World Cup: India have 50 percent chance to win, says Ian Chappell

ICC World Cup: India have 50 percent chance to win, says Ian Chappell

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast