World Cup Blogs: Australia, India braced for verbal onslaught at SCG

A selection of musings from around the cricket World Cup

Australia's David Warner argues with India's Rohit Sharma

Australia's David Warner argues with India's Rohit Sharma during the recently concluded ODI tri-series. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

Sydney Rival captains Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India and Michael Clarke of Australia may have their hands full trying to keep frayed tempers in check during a potentially explosive World Cup semi-final on Thursday.

The teams have shared a tumultuous relationship both on and off the field in recent years and another flare-up cannot be ruled out in front of a packed Sydney Cricket Ground.

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When umpires give you lemons, make lemonade

Bangladesh players reacts to a no ball given by umpire Ian Gould

Bangladesh players reacts to a no ball given by umpire Ian Gould during the quarte-final againsy India on Wednesday. Photograph: Vipin Pawar/Solaris Images

Bangladesh’s exit from the World Cup, and the developments in its aftermath, were bizarre.

The circumstances first: India were 126/3 after 30 overs. Not too hot. The scoring rate picked up a bit after that, but in the 33rd over, Mashrafe Mortaza hit Suresh Raina on the pads … appeal, turned down, review – 50%, maybe 51%, of the ball had pitched outside leg. Close. But
not enough. Then, when India had reached 196/3 in the 40th over, Rubel Hossain’s full toss, visibly below waist height, was hoicked straight down deep midwicket’s throat by Rohit Sharma. Out? Not. No-ball. No! The umpire had spoken.

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Waqar Younis fears 'death' of Pakistan cricket

Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan

Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan looks dejected during the World Cup match. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has warned that cricket could die out there if rival teams continue to boycott the country.

There has been no international cricket in Pakistan since the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March 2009, which killed eight people and injured seven visiting players.

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Clarke unhappy with Sydney strip for semi-final vs India

How Raina is preparing for the massive Australian test in semis

The doosra: Dhawan can help Team India reach the Shikhar

Will 'big' player Kohli stand up against Aussies in semis?

Pitch perfect? Team India coach, Atkinson inspect SCG strip

How is Raina preparing for the massive Aus test in semis?