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In the thrilling climax of the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Australia‘s momentous victory over the previously unbeaten India was undoubtedly a testament to their action-plan implementation on the field, masterfully orchestrated under the leadership of Pat Cummins. The Men in Blue, who had displayed an unyielding dominance throughout the tournament, were ultimately outclassed, succumbing to a six-wicket defeat in the ultimate showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Amidst the ongoing scrutiny within the Indian cricket fraternity, spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, a key figure in the Indian ODI World Cup squad, provided insights into a pivotal conversation with Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, during the pinnacle clash.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s conversation with Australia chief selector
Ashwin shared an interaction with Bailey, where he questioned their decision to bowl first. The latter then explained that based on their experience of playing in IPL and bilateral series at the venue, the red soil tends to disintegrate, making it challenging to bat on, while the black soil improves under the lights. This knowledge of the soil dynamics influenced the Aussies’ decision to field first in the match.
“When I was checking the pitch during the mid-innings break, I asked George Bailey why they did not opt to bat first. He said that they have played a lot of IPL and bilateral series here, in their experience, the red soil disintegrates while the black soil gets better to bat on under the lights,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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‘I was shell-shocked to see their tactics’: Ashwin
Ashwin commended Australia for their exceptional tactics in the final, expressing his surprise at their strategic brilliance. He noted Cummins’ effectiveness, highlighting that despite his struggles in ODIs leading up to the World Cup, he observed a notable shift in the all-rounder’s approach. In the tournament’s last 4-5 matches, the right-arm spinner underscored that almost 50 percent of Cummins’ deliveries were cutters, showcasing a tactical adaptation that contributed to his side’s success in the final.
“Australia were tactically outstanding in the final. I was shell-shocked to see their tactics during the final. Cummins was struggling in ODIs leading upto the World Cup, but the last 4-5 matches of the World Cup, almost 50 percent of his balls were cutters,” the 37-year-old added.
