Lehmann waits for a run-fest

Australia coach Darren Lehmann believes the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch will produce a high-scoring World Cup semifinal against India on Thursday.

"I think the Sydney pitch will be very similar to the one we used in the game against Sri Lanka more than a fortnight ago when almost 700 runs were scored, so I think this will be another high-scoring affair," Lehmann wrote in a column.

Australia won the March 8 pool game against Sri Lanka convincingly, setting a mammoth 376-9 for their opponents to chase before bowling them out in a 64-run victory.

Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc (R) smiles as a young fan waves during a team training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, ahead of their semifinal against India on Thursday. Photo: AFP

The SCG has traditionally offered something for spinners, but paceman Josh Hazlewood said the pitch served up for Australia's match against Sri Lanka had offered little variation either way.

Australia will hope for a green tinge on the SCG wicket to give their pacemen as much help as possible against India's formidable batting lineup.