NEW DELHI, Dec 23: The Australians were a bit apprehensive about playing the semifinals against India in Guwahati. Apparently, they were not convinced about the law and order situation and the match had to be shifted to Delhi's Harbaksh Stadium.

The official version, however, is that flights between Delhi and Guwahati have been cancelled which forced the organisers to go for a last minute change in venue.

For India will like playing in Delhi as crowd support will certainly be stronger here.

Defending champions Australia definitely start favourites given their past performance in World Cup. They have already won it three times and have a team which should not have any problems defending their title. From Belinda Clark to Zoe Gross, the Aussies have a bunch of talented stars. They rely heavily on fielding and bits-and-pieces players.

Belinda's 229 against Denmark is the highest ever by a woman cricketer and her century, off 64 balls, is the fastest in World Cup history.

As if this was not enough, the Aussies have registered a record total of 412.India, too, have a record to their credit; a five-wicket haul by Purnima Choudhary against the West Indies their first in Cup history. Besides skipper Pramila Bhatt, former captain Purnima Rau, Renu Margaret and Purnima Choudhary, the team relies on left-arm spinner Neetu David, batswoman Chandrakanta Ahir and left-handed all-rounder Sangeeta Dabir.

TEAMS

INDIA: Pramila Bhatt (captain), Chandrakanta Ahir (vice captain), Purnima Rau, Anju Jain, Anjum Chopra, Sangita Dabir, Renu Margreat, Purnima Choudhary, Shayama Shaw, Smita Harkrishan, Neetu David, deepa Kulkarni, Kalyani Umbrani, Reshma Gandhi
AUSTRALIA: Belinda Clark (captain), Karen Rolton (vice-captain), Joanne Brodbent, Browyn Calver, Jodi Dannatt, Avril Fahey, Julia Price, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Goszko, Zoe Gross, McLanie Jones.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.