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Australia‘s triumphant performance in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final against India was accentuated by a strategic move that raised eyebrows which was Pat Cummins‘ decision to bowl first. Despite the normal trend of batting first in high-pressure games and putting big score on the board, Cummins opted to bowl, a decision that, in hindsight, proved to be astute. Even after losing the toss, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed a preference for batting first.
Captain’s calculated move: Pat Cummins’s bold decision
However, as events unfolded, Cummins’ strategic decision proved to be astute. The once high-performing Indian batting order suffered a dramatic collapse in the first innings. Australia adeptly capitalized on this unexpected turn of events, successfully pursuing the required target and clinching the title for a historic sixth time.
Unveiling the strategy: David Warner’s Insights on the pre-final discussions
David Warner, a pivotal member of the Australian side, delved into the rationale behind this decision in a conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube. De Villiers probed Warner on why Australia chose to bowl first. Responding to the query, the 37-year-old said that the Australian team had contemplated a similar strategy in the lead-up to the final.
“They were discussing it the night before for a good hour and a half or two hours about what to do. All the stats coming through were saying, bat first and put runs on the board. But for once, when we all got asked that question, I think a majority of us said let’s just chase,” stated the southpaw.
Also READ: AB de Villiers reveals his ODI World Cup 2023 ‘Team of the Tournament’; only one South African makes the cut
Understanding the surface: The Ahmedabad pitch factor
According to Warner, the majority of the Australian squad wanted to assess the conditions in the first innings. Cummins, after consulting with all team members, made the calculated decision to send their opponents to bat first if they won the toss.
“If we bowl well and understand the conditions like that, we can then chase and then anchor,” the New South Wales-born cricketer concluded.
