"Preparing A Pitch Like This Gave Australia A Chance" - Michael Vaughan Slams Team India For Pitch Tampering

Former England captain Michael Vaughan lauded Australia for their strategic brilliance and adaptability to the conditions during the final match of the ICC World Cup 2023. Vaughan highlighted how Australia silenced the crowd and comfortably registered the victory.

India were bowled out for 240 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19. In response, the Pat Cummins-led team successfully chased down the target with six wickets in hand, securing their record-extending sixth World Cup title.

Strategically They Are A Clever Team – Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan pointed out Australia’s clever tactics, noting that they effectively tamed the challenging conditions. Vaughan stated that they might not be a 320-run team, and the pitch provided them with the opportunity to secure victory in the summit clash.

“Strategically they are a very clever team. They’ve clearly got a very clever think tank. I don’t think they are a 320 side, they are a 280 side and preparing a pitch like this gave Australia a chance,” Vaughan said in commentary of Australia.

“They did exactly what Pat Cummins said they would, they’ve silenced the crowd. They’ve done it in great fashion. I don’t know anyone who thought the game would be done in 43 overs with Australia coasting to the target.”

Travis Head Smashes Brilliant Hundred In World Cup 2023 Final

Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to field first. Skipper Rohit Sharma (47 of 31) provided a flying start, helping India reach 76-2 in 9.4 overs. The hosts posted 240 in 50 overs, with KL Rahul top-scoring with 66 off 107. Mitchell Starc took three wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs.

Travis Head played an outstanding knock of 137 runs off 120 balls, featuring four sixes and 15 boundaries. Marnus Labuschagne scored an unbeaten 58 off 110 deliveries, forming a crucial 192-run partnership with Head for the fourth wicket after Australia was struggling at 47/3.

Glenn Maxwell sealed the victory by hitting the winning runs, securing the trophy for the Men in Yellow in the 50-over format. Australia secured their sixth ODI World Cup title with the victory, adding to their previous triumphs in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami Ignored As Michael Vaughan Picks CWC 2023 Player Of The Tournament