Kriky's Blogopedia

After 11 World Cups, five triumphant and two defeated finals, Australia boast an unprecedented five titles. We look back at where they got it wrong in 1975 and 1996 – and right in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015… 1.  Captain and key all-rounder Clive Lloyd was too hot to handle for Ian Chappell’s men in  June 1975’s inaugural final  at Lord’s. Lloyd orchestrated a fine century against an opposition attack spearheaded by pace ace Dennis Lillee and Gary Gilmour, whose five-wicket haul went in vain. Seamer Lloyd’s four-for, a string of unfulfilled starts from the Australian batsmen – and as many as five run-outs – brought the Windies triumph. 2. November 1987 witnessed Australia’s maiden World Cup title , against England, at Eden Gardens in Calcutta. Opener David Boon and the little known Mike Veletta ensured a reasonably formidable total, after which two wickets apiece for seamer Steve Waugh and captain and spinn...

Stunning late spell from Starc not enough as Kiwis chase 152 with one wicket in hand Mitchell Starc bowled Australia to within an inch of an unbelievable victory as to turn what appeared a comfortable New Zealand run chase into a heart-stopping World Cup epic. Kane Williamson blasted a six down the ground from Patrick Cummins to complete a one-wicket win – with an incredible 26.5 overs left in the contest. Trent Boult's five wickets orchestrated a stunning Australian collapse and Brendon McCullum blasted a belligerent 21-ball half-century that looked set to hand Australia a chastening World Cup thumping and blow Pool A wide open. But Starc typified Australia's never-say-die attitude with 6-28 from nine overs to put Australia within sight of what would have been a memorable victory. Starc bowls Elliott // AFP   As it was, Williamson was the hero for 40,000 Eden Park faithful, his first six the match-winner in an unbeaten 45. Mitchell Johnson suffered at ...