In the aftermath of the thrilling 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final, Indian spin maestro R Ashwin delves into the strategic brilliance of Australian captain Pat Cummins in his latest YouTube video, ‘World Cup 2023: A Reflection.’ Ashwin’s analysis unveils the intricacies of Cummins’ game-changing spell that played a decisive role in Australia’s victory.
The Toss and Tactical Decision
Cummins’ decision to send India in to bat after winning the toss set the tone for a strategic masterclass. Bowling his complete 10-over quota, Cummins conceded a mere 34 runs while claiming crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli.
The Cutter Game
Ashwin highlights Cummins’ strategic evolution during the World Cup, with nearly 50% of his deliveries in the final being cutters. This tactical variation, honed over the preceding games, proved instrumental in disrupting the rhythm of the Indian batters.
Unique Field Setup: A 4:5 Formation
A key revelation in Ashwin’s analysis is Cummins’ field setup, resembling that of an off-spinner with a 4:5 formation—four fielders on the off-side and five on the leg side. Cummins’ exclusion of a mid-off throughout his 10-over spell was a noteworthy aspect of this tactical approach.
Strategic Absence of Mid-Off
Cummins strategically avoided bowling full deliveries that could allow the batters to drive, maintaining a consistent length throughout. Ashwin emphasizes that Cummins bowled only three balls in the 6-meter mark towards the stump line, showcasing precision in execution.
Game-Breaking Spell
In Ashwin’s assessment, Cummins’ spell was truly game-breaking, not only for its impact on the scoreboard but also for the astute decision-making evident in the absence of a mid-off and the orchestrated field placement.
Outcome
Cummins’ tactical brilliance, combined with Travis Head’s Player of the Match performance and Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 58, guided Australia to chase down India’s target of 240 in 43 overs. Ashwin’s analysis provides cricket enthusiasts with a deeper understanding of the strategic nuances that shaped the outcome of the World Cup 2023 final.
