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 Mumbai, Nov 4: Australia will face the toughest challenge in its quest for the elusive Champions Trophy title when they take on defending champions West Indies in the showdown here tomorrow, with both teams equally determined to win the coveted trophy. The World Champions, appearing in the final for the first time, seem to have a slight edge over the Caribbeans but will not make the mistake of taking their rivals lightly in what promises to be a thrilling contest at the Brabourne Stadium. The West Indies have been highly unpredictable but their convincing victory over South Africa in the semifinals will help them to go into the summit clash with a positive frame of mind.
The Caribbeans had to suffer the ignominy of qualifying to defend their title as their one day form touched a new low since their Champions Trophy win in the last edition. But having reached the final, Brian Lara's men will be in no mood to let the opportunity to retain the crown slip by. West Indies opener Chris Gayle, one of the best performers in the tournament, will hold the key for his team as another destructive knock from his blade may turn out to be a match winner. The Jamaican left-hander has notched up three centuries, including one in the qualifying phase, but the most devastating of all was in the semifinals against South Africa.
 Gayle's whirlwind 133-run knock with good support from Shivnaraine Chanderpaul produced the perfect platform to whip South Africa in the semifinals. The contest between Gayle and his opening partner Chanderpaul and Australian quickies led by the irrepressible Glenn McGrath is expected to be a real humdinger. The summit clash is also a revenge affair for the two-time World Cup winners following their only loss to the West Indies in the tournament so far, by a narrow margin of ten runs. Australia also won the DLF Cup in Malaysia recently beating West Indies. If the wicket is flat and the ball comes on to the bat nicely, then Gayle would be unstoppable in demolishing the opposition attack to smithereens.
A look at the recent statistics of Gayle in ODIs is revealing. His career average is 40-plus from 150 games but in the last twenty matches the Jamaican dasher has amassed 988 runs at a staggering average of just over 58 with four tons and an equal number of half centuries to boot. The importance of Gayle in West Indies success is evident as in the recent past whenever he goes cheaply the team experiences a batting slump and then lose their way. The opener's ability to bowl flat off breaks in tandem with Marlon Samuels would also pose searching questions at the Australian middle order. Australia would look to attack Gayle and Chanderpaul, who is reported to have recovered from the bout of cramps, with the ever-reliable Glenn McGrath, the pace of Brett Lee and the swing of Nathan Bracken.
The other important batsman in the Windies line-up is Lara who, even at the age of 36, is the man the team looks upon to hold the innings together. (Agencies)
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