'Stats Said Bat First...': David Warner Makes Huge Revelation On Australia Bowling First In CWC Final

Veteran Australian opener David Warner revealed the reason behind skipper Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first in the final of the World Cup 2023. David Warner disclosed that the team management initially considered batting first during the summit clash in Ahmedabad.

Team India posted a total of 240 runs after being asked to bat first on Sunday, November 19. The Pat Cummins-led team comfortably chased down the below-par target in 43 overs with six wickets in hand. The Men in Yellow secured their sixth title in ODI World Cup history.

We Can Then Chase And Then Anchor – David Warner

Speaking to AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel, David Warner stated that the majority of players favored chasing on the day of the match. Warner explained that the decision was influenced by the intention to assess the conditions comprehensively.

“They were discussing it the night before for a good hour and a half or two hours about what to do. All the stats coming through was saying, bat first and put runs on the board. But for once, when we got all got asked that question, I think a majority of us said let’s just chase,” Warner said.

“If we bowl well and understand the conditions like that, we can then chase and then anchor,” he added.

Marnus Labuschagne Was Absolutely Perfect – David Warner

Warner praised Marnus Labuschagne, drawing a parallel with India’s resilience in the first game, where Virat Kohli and KL Rahul turned the game around. Warner emphasized how knowing the target allows the best batters to play according to the situation.

“What Marnus did was absolutely perfect. You look at when we played India in the first game. I think they were 3/4 (2/3) but then Virat did what he does, KL Rahul as well. They were ice calm. When you know what to get, your best batters generally thrive. They will play the tempo of the game,” Warner further added.

The Men in Blue bowled out Australia for 199 runs in their tournament opener in Chennai. The home team lost three wickets for just three runs in the chase. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul steadied the chase, adding a 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Also read: “I Wouldn’t Write Him Off”: Michael Hussey On David Warner’s Chances Of Playing 2027 World Cup