A fantastic prediction of an Aussie win

This is an exchange between two Australians of Sri Lankan descent prior to the World Cup final between India and Australia at Ahmedebad last week reproduced in Michael Roberts’ Thuppahai blog. The protagonists are Errol Fernando, a skilled piano player from Trinity College, who predicted the Aussie victory against all odds and the firmer Royal College cricketing legend, Lorenz Pereira.

First to Errol:

“After a long tournament, we reach the final that we all predicted many weeks ago, Lorenz   –   India vs Australia   –   with the obvious prediction that India will win. Millions will back India,of course.

“Let me take a different path by predicting a win for the Aussies, especially if they bat first. Head, Marsh and Maxwell are dangerous players who can take the game away from India.

“However, India’s main enemy is simply PRESSURE!  They are under enormous, superhuman pressure, playing at home with the whole nation’s expectations. This will certainly weigh them down.

“The Aussies, on the other hand, are the UNDERDOGS with no pressure and no expectations. They have no burdens whatsoever. All they need to do is to relax, enjoy themselves and have a go. This will lead to a win, for sure.

“India have no hope of a win because their BURDEN is far too great.

“I could not possibly be wrong about this, Lorenz, and you could either congratulate me right away or else wait till Monday morning.

“All the best, Errol”

RESPONSE From Lorenz PEREIRA in Melbourne, November 2023

“My dear Errol,

“What a brilliant theoretical analysis of the outcome of the Final. Surely of Einstein proportion and worthy of a Nobel Nomination.

“However, I am deeply distressed and disillusioned by your Prediction.  I want an Australian Win…… [and] history records that your Predictions have been 100 % Wrong, which means that it will turn out to be an Indian Win.

“Can you be Right for once?

“You have based your rationale and analysis on the enormous Stress Factor that India will be faced with.  But in the above, you have erroneously omitted that India will be playing with 12 Team Members. The vital 12th Member being irreplaceable, being their Super Coach, Rahul Dravid.

“Please see the article on him that I am sending you by email. That negative “burden” you have alluded to as being India’s Achilles heel has been already neutralized by Dravid  during the course of this Tournament. So, it will not assist Australia.

“Not sure which Team will have an advantage from that. Much of both India’s and Australia’s bowling success to date had been based on Speed, although Zampa is a leading wicket taker, but demolished by the South Africans.

“Indeed, an intriguing context to behold.

“A final plea dear Errol. I sincerely hope that for once your Prediction is Correct.

“Love and Blessings ……………………….. Lollo”