All eyes now on India vs Australia Quarter Final in ICC World Cup 2011

Ahead of a crucial World Cup quarter- final against hosts India, Australia captain Ricky Ponting might have wanted the discussions to focus only on the match. But his current form, which has very much been un- Ponting like, has added another dimension to it.

In his five innings so far in the tournament, Ponting has scored 102 runs at an average of 20.40 with his highest being 36 against Kenya. Ponting is not unaware about all the negative talk that is doing the rounds, especially from the Australian media, and admits that only a good knock can silence his critics.

“ I know I haven’t made any big score so far in the tournament and I am also aware that there have been a couple of negative articles in newspapers about me. But I can’t control what they write about me,” Ponting said.

“ My job is to play well. I can only control my play, how I bat, how I captain the side. So I think if I can play a good innings against India, that might keep them quiet for a while.” Ponting also feels that he was unlucky in a couple of games where he could have made it big. “ I have been unlucky in some matches. Like in the game against Kenya I should have scored more but I got out,” he said. “ Right now, my focus is on being relaxed and trying to get a good knock.” He also denied the fact that his poor form is getting the better of him, resulting in outbursts both on and off the field. “ There is no such thing. I think such incidents are being over- played,” he said.

Coming back to the quarter-final, Ponting took a dig at Yuvraj Singh who had said that the present Australian squad lacked the strength compared to past teams.

“ I don’t know why Yuvraj said that but in the ( 2009) ODI series against them we were without four to five top players but still we were able to beat a full strength Indian team. So we’ll see who comes out on top on the weekend,” Ponting remarked. He was also of the opinion that India, playing under home conditions, will be under more pressure than the Aussies. “ There would be greater pressure on India just because of the fact they are playing in front of the home crowd,” he said.

However, Ponting is not at all complacent against India though they have a better record against them in World Cups. “ The record isn’t really a true reflection of the current teams. Between World Cups there are four years and things can change dramatically in that period,” Ponting said.

“ Whatever has happened in the previous World Cup will not have a bearing on the next game. We have to play our best on the day and it is as simple as that.” Regarding any change for the upcoming game, Ponting said the team management would only take a decision based on the conditions.

“ We have to look at the wicket before making any change as one selection can make a huge difference in the game,” he said. “ David Hussey and Callum Ferguson have been terrific in the nets and also we are looking at some other options, which is good for us. If we are to make a change in the line- up, we have to be spot on.” When asked if the Aussies have been a bit scratchy against the turning ball, Ponting admitted that spinners bowling with the new ball have caused some trouble for his team.