Do Indian bowlers have the sting to ensure World Cup defence?

'Cornered wolves' Pakistan capable of causing moments of panic

New Zealand Test cricket legend Martin Crowe has claimed that Indian fast bowlers' ability to take enough wickets in the semi-final would be the one single factor to decide the defending champion's fate in the World Cup.

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India have advanced to the quarter-final stage of the World Cup having topped Pool B without conceding a single defeat in the group ties, and will now face Bangladesh in the knockout stage to advance to the semi-finals.

Crowe questioned if India have enough fast and accurate swing bowlers, as he claimed that Mohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav could go walkabout, Stuff.co.nz reported.

The former batsman added that their ability to take enough wickets in the semi-final, which he believes would be possibly against Australia, would be the one single factor to decide India's fate in the tournament.

Crowe, meanwhile, also backed New Zealand to win the coveted tournament, saying that their willingness to play in the moment should carry them to World Cup glory.

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He even ruled out Sri Lanka and Bangladesh due to their inferior bowling attacks and lack of a killer instinct in the field, while he insisted that Pakistan are a hope because of their potent pace bowling pack which he dubbed as 'cornered wolves' capable of causing moments of panic.

Crowe claimed that Australia are the most equipped, power-wise, adding that they are a spirited bunch of fit, fiery macho athletes, looking much better now that their touch player and mastermind is rightly steering the ship.

Crowe insisted that Australian skipper Michael Clarke is his greatest fear, from a trans-Tasman viewpoint, if a down-under showdown takes place in Melbourne.