The final showdown of the World Cup 2023 is set to be a thrilling contest between India and Australia, with both teams boasting impressive unbeaten streaks. India, on the brink of a historic win without a single defeat in the tournament, faces an Australian side riding an eight-match winning streak, poised to challenge India’s supremacy.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated final, Australia's captain Pat Cummins shared insights on the pitch conditions at the press conference. With the game only a day away, Cummins observed that the pitch appeared firm but anticipated a slow surface for the match.
"I'm not a great pitch reader, but it looked pretty firm. They've only just watered it, so yeah, give it another 24 hours and have a look, but it looks like a pretty good wicket," Cummins said.
"Yeah, hard to know I think it's been a bit more high-scoring here throughout the tournament. Yeah, it's been a pretty good wicket, so yeah, hard to say," he added.
This pitch is the same one that saw India triumph over Pakistan earlier in the tournament, and Cummins expects it to play better than the Eden Gardens wicket. Australia had faced challenges at Eden Gardens in their semi-final against South Africa, scraping through with a narrow three-wicket victory.
The pitch condition raises questions about India's possible bowling strategy, specifically the inclusion of a third spinner. Ravichandran Ashwin, who joined the World Cup squad late, played in the opening match against Australia in Chennai. In that game, he bowled a full 10-over spell, taking one wicket for 34 runs. Ashwin hasn't featured in any game since, and it remains to be seen whether skipper Rohit Sharma will bring him back, especially considering Australia's two left-handed openers.
If India decides to include an extra spinner, Mohammed Siraj might have to step down, given the indispensable forms of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Australia, on the other hand, faces a selection dilemma with Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne seemed uncomfortable against South Africa's spinners, Maharaj and Shamsi, in the semi-final. This discomfort could extend to playing against India’s spinners, leading to speculation that Australia might replace him with an all-rounder more familiar with Indian conditions.
One potential replacement could be Marcus Stoinis, whose inclusion would not only bolster the batting lineup but also provide an additional bowling option with his ability to bowl effective cutters.
As both teams prepare for this grand finale, the anticipation and strategic considerations are at an all-time high, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable clash in Ahmedabad.
Predicted Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj/ R Ashwin.
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
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