‘They Didn’t Win Because of Luck’ – R Ashwin Defends Australia’s World Cup Win
Australia beat India by six wickets in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Australia’s exceptional performance in the World Cup Final against India, singling out their flawless tactics as the key factor behind securing their sixth World Cup title in Ahmedabad.
Ashwin also revealed how the Kangaroos even deceived him with their tactics. Here’s what the veteran off-spinner said on his YouTube channel:
“Let me make it clear, Australia did not win because of destiny or luck. They were tactically outstanding in the final. I watched their performance in the final with absolute fascination.”
“Australia and Pat Cummins deceived me. I thought Australia would bat first if they win the toss because, historically, it’s an Aussie thing to ‘win the toss and bat’. The wicket used for the final was not Ahmedabad soil, it was rather from Odisha. It was the kind of wicket that would not disintegrate too much.”
“I was looking at the pitch during the mid-innings and that’s when I bumped into George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors. I asked him out of curiosity why Australia didn’t opt to bat, for which he replied that they opted to bowl first since this was a black soil wicket, which usually gets better to bat on in the evening.”
It Was A Tactical Masterclass: R Ashwin
Ashwin also showered accolades on Australian captain Pat Cummins, praising his exceptional bowling and strategic field placements that he adjusted after every over. According to Ashwin, Australia’s victory wasn’t just due to destiny, but rather their well-thought-out tactical decisions, making them deserving winners.
“What Pat Cummins did with the ball was also nothing short of extraordinary. To not have a mid-off, have a 4-5 field and bowl with such accuracy was remarkable.”
“I’ve never seen a fast bowler bowl to an off-spinner’s field and execute so perfectly, not bowling a single overpitched delivery. It was a tactical masterclass. Australia had us there. They were deserved winners.”
India’s dream of ending their decade-long ICC trophy drought has once again been shattered.
