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Home  » Cricket » Can the 'intimidating' MCG crowd bring out the best in India?

Can the 'intimidating' MCG crowd bring out the best in India?

Source: PTI
Last updated on: February 20, 2015 20:23 IST
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'It's a home game for India. There's going up to (almost) 100,000 people here'

Indian captain MS Dhoni during a practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium on Friday

Indian captain Mahenddra Singh Dhoni during a practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MGC) on Friday. Photograph: Vipin Pawar/Solaris Images

With the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground set to see a large Indian crowd turning up to support their team on Sunday, current South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald conceded that for the defending champions the game at the MCG would be akin to playing at home.

"It's a home game for India. There's going up to (almost) 100,000 people here and there is going to be a lot of Indian support. So keeping the crowd quiet is going to be a big thing," Donald said two days ahead of the clash that may decide Group B toppers.

Donald said there was something unique about the venue and his players would relish the occasion.

"You just have to walk out there, (even when) these stands are empty it's an intimidating place. It's a massive game: South Africa v India, MCG ... this is why we play for our country," the 48-year-old South African was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

'To not be able to walk away with a medal is a bit of a sour one, but I've got no regrets'

South African bowling coach Allan Donald with pacer Dale Steyn during the practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MGC) on Friday

South African bowling coach Allan Donald with pacer Dale Steyn during the practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MGC) on Friday. Photograph: Vipin Pawar/Solaris Images

South Africa are considered as one of the favourites to win the World Cup this time, but Donald said his side have not thought beyond Sunday's match.

"If it (finals) bring us back here that's great. It means we've played cricket out of our socks. We're concentrating on Sunday. That really is all that matters," said Donald who took 330 wickets from 72 Tests and 272 from 164 ODIs.

Donald could not win a World Cup in four appearances as a player but he said he has no regrets.

"To not be able to walk away with a medal is a bit of a sour one, but I've got no regrets," said Donald, part of the Proteas' famous mix-up between the wickets that ended their 1999 World Cup campaign in the semi-final against Australia.

"Hopefully this time around there's something waiting, but we're very patient about that process. It's just an awesome time to be around this team. I'm very privileged ... I love World Cups. They're such amazing events," said Donald.

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