• Source:JND
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Ravichandran Ashwin, a key member of the Team India squad in the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup, commended Australia for their record-extending sixth title, describing their victory over the Men in Blue as a result of tactical brilliance in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ashwin noted that Australia's decision to bat first, despite the expectation for them to follow their historical pattern and bowl first, showcased their strategic acumen. He acknowledged that Australia's toss decision was based on a thorough analysis of the pitch's black soil, which tends to improve for batting as the game progresses into the evening.

“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,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “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 questioned him curiously 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.

“He said that the South Africa game in Lucknow, which was played on red soil, helped Australia realize that while it’s better to bat first on red-soil surfaces, it’s always better to chase on black soil surfaces since the ball skids on well when the dew sets in.”

"99/100 times, teams would refuse to carry a player that’s injured in order to have a full 15-member squad at their disposal. But Australia were adamant that they’ll carry Head, even if he was not fit, because they had enormous faith in his abilities. By backing Head even when he was not fit, Australia sent a clear message to everyone: ‘we are backing our players’.

“All things considered, Australia’s extraordinary values and the belief they had in their players helped them win the World Cup,” he said.

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Ashwin also expressed his admiration for Australian skipper Pat Cummins’ bowling in the final with an unorthodox field setting.

“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,” Ashwin said.

“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.”

The off-spinner's praise for Australia's tactical approach highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in high-stakes cricket matches.

“I honestly never thought my World Cup memories would end with the Australia game in Chepauk. I was bowling well and I was in good rhythm,” Ashwin said.

“It was a disappointing end as our dreams got shattered, but India had a rock solid run. We played outstanding cricket throughout the World Cup.”

While the outcome was not in favor of Team India, Ashwin's acknowledgment of the opposition's strategic thinking reflects a sportsman's appreciation for well-executed plans on the field.