Aussies aim for Indian throats

AHMEDABAD, India, Mar 22 (AFP): India go into their World Cup quarter-final against champions Australia on Thursday expecting to be on the receiving end of some fiery fast bowling. The co-hosts go into this game on the back of an 80-run victory over the West Indies in Chennai. Australia's previous match saw the end of their 34-game unbeaten World Cup run courtesy of a four-wicket defeat by fellow quarter-finalists Pakistan. However, the way West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul took five wickets, including the prize scalp of Sachin Tendulkar with a lifting delivery, has revived the debate about India's ability to handle short-pitched bowling. Australia almost have no choice but to see if the old cliche holds true given an attack built around the fast bowling trio of Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson. Off-spinner Jason Krejza managed just a lone wicket against Pakistan-courtesy of a ludicrous slog by skipper Shahid Afridi-and has taken only two top six wickets in six matches. And the fact Australia captain Ricky Ponting did not bowl Steven Smith at all in defence of an under-strength total of 176, spoke volumes about his faith in the all-rounder's leg-spin. Yuvraj Singh, whose century against the West Indies followed on from a trio of fifties earlier in the tournament, said it was clear where Australia's bowling strength lay.