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Big day for Big Tom

You get these players in all sports, a specialist suited to specific conditions. Some are considered pinch hitters, for others its a case of being in the right place at the right time.

A cricket World Cup in England is the perfect environment for Tom Moody, the six-feet seven-inches tall Australian allrounder.

Until last month, he hadn't played for Australia since the Commonwealth Games last September but has been brought back into the fold due to his unrivalled experience in England.

The 33-year-old right-handed batsman and medium-pace bowler was involved in Australia's winning World Cup campaign in 1987, though he missed the semifinal and final through injury. He didn't make his Test debut until 1989 and has figured more in Australia's one-day team ever since.

And he's played in the English county cricket championship since 1990, when he debuted for Warwickshire before switching to Worcestershire, where he is now captain.

"I think i'll play more of an all-round role for Australia here, on and off the field,'' Moody said from the team's World Cup base in Cardiff.

"Obviously i think my bowling will have a reasonably large role and batting in the middle, it could float between seven and nine hopefully, I'll get my opportunities and I'll cash in when I do.''

Moody was recalled to the Australian team for the recent limited-overs series against the West Indies, where he capped it off with an unbeaten 50.

He said the Australian side had tremendous depth but with 15 players in the squad and only 11 places on the field, he'll be battling for one of the allrounders' positions.

"Luckily (wicketkeeper) Adam Gilchrist opens for us, which means there's more room for another batting spot, I've just got to wait and see what happens,'' he said.

"The selectors thought that the situation over here suits my game and my knowledge of conditions in England at this time of the year would have a large bearing on the outcome, that has to count for something.''

Moody and captain Steve Waugh are the only surviving members of Australia's 1987 champion team, although the West Australian's role tends to be overlooked.

"I played all the preliminary games, right up until two days before the semifinal, when I tore a muscle in my side which ruled me out,'' he said.

"Looking back on it, it was a bit of a bonus for Australia because Mike Veletta came into the side and contributed two valuable knocks -- not to say that I wouldn't have -- and really helped the team achieve the ultimate goal.''

Australia, losing finalist to Sri Lanka in Lahore in 1996, is second favorite for this tournament behind South Africa.

Associated Press