Notebook

South Africans cheering against Australia

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Sourav Ganguly's lineup got vocal support from thousands of traveling fans and from Johannesburg's locals, who seemed to be supporting India just because it was playing reigning champion Australia.

The defending champion Aussies didn't seem to be the crowd favorite at Wanderers in Sunday's final, despite their batsmen going on a rampage after being put in to bat first by India.

The South African cricket watchers had carried their traditional southern hemisphere rivalry with Australia to the extreme. The Australians answered them with a record total for a World Cup final of 359 for two

"I go for 'ABA' ... Anyone but Australia, be it rugby or cricket," said Dave Linsell, a local chemical sales executive.

"It doesn't matter who's playing Australia, we'll go all out to support it ... Today it's India, but it could have been any other nation," Linsell said.

Jeremy Baker, a doctor, said he'd booked a ticket for the final three weeks ago as he wanted to be part of the event.

"We'd have loved to see South Africa here, but the home team's absence wasn't going to keep me away from the final," said Baker, who often comes to watch tests and one-dayers at the Wanderers.

"I'm here to watch good cricket," added Baker. "But if someone's got to lose, it better be Australia."

Davis Criston, the commercial director of a Johannesburg-based construction company, had his own reason for backing India.

"The Aussies play fantastic cricket, but someone needs to beat them," Criston said. "Any team that plays Australia gets my support."

"But things aren't looking great," he said as Australia crossed the 200-run mark for the loss of just two wickets. "Perhaps, we'll have to wait for some team to stop the Australian winning streak."

Ralph Young, a financial director in the chemical industry, had by now given up on India, and was already looking at the Rugby World Cup in Australia later this year.

"No matter what, South Africa will go and beat the Aussies at home in the Rugby World Cup," Young said.

South Africa, a pre-tournament favorite, was ousted from the World Cup in the first round.

Appeal

The anti-war protesters carried placards and banners in a peaceful but vocal demonstration, but were outnumbered by police.

Some of the signs were directed at Australian Prime Minister John Howard's decision to support the U.S. and commit troops in the Gulf.

One protester, who declined to give his name, carried a banner reading "Australia

"The Australian government, despite widespread opposition from the public, has come out firmly in support of the U.S.-led war and the (coalition) wants to use the World Cup as an opportunity to support the Australian people against the government's warmongering," said South Africa's Anti-War Coalition spokesman Salim Vally.

"We've received an appeal from anti-war groups in Australian civil society asking us to target this event as an opportunity to protest against Australia's involvement in the war."

Fly Fishing

Symonds, who pins a number of flies on his Australian training cap, said he likes to take his mind off cricket when he's fishing.

"These were accumulated flies from a number of fishing trips," said Symonds, explaining the additions to his cap. "I caught some yellow fish and large mouth bass the other day.

"It's something I do to get away from the game. Living in pubs and out of suitcases all the time you need a sort of release. There is a number of boys in the side who enjoy it so it's good to get away and have a bit of a competition."

The Queensland allrounder said he loves the great outdoors.

"I like to get out. I don't like being cooped up inside. There is a lot of people you get advice and tips off," he said. "A few years ago before Matty Hayden was away a lot with Australia, I did quite a bit with him" in Australia.

 

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