In his recent YouTube video titled ‘World Cup 2023: A Reflection,’ R Ashwin extensively analyzed the strategic brilliance displayed by the captain who led the victorious 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign. Ashwin specifically focused on dissecting the remarkable tactics employed by Pat Cummins, the captain, during the final match to effectively control the opposition’s batters.
Cummins’ decision to send India in to bat after winning the toss proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the match. The Australian skipper, bowling his complete 10-over quota, conceded only 34 runs and secured crucial wickets, including those of Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli. Cummins’ bowling spell stood out as the most economical among all bowlers who completed their 10 overs, with an impressive economy rate of 3.40.
Ashwin delved into Cummins’ strategic prowess, highlighting the challenges faced by Indian batters against him. Noting Cummins’ recent struggles in the World Cup, Ashwin emphasized that a significant portion of Cummins’ deliveries leading up to the final were cutters. Additionally, he pointed out Cummins’ unique field setup, with a 4:5 field resembling that of an off-spinner, emphasizing the absence of a mid-off throughout Cummins’ entire 10-over spell.
The Indian spinner underscored Cummins’ precision, noting that the Australian bowler strategically avoided delivering full-length balls that would allow batters to drive. Cummins’ spell, according to Ashwin, was a “game-breaking” performance, further solidifying the impact of Cummins’ strategic decisions in addition to winning the toss.
After restricting India to a total of 240, Australia successfully chased down the target in 43 overs, with Travis Head’s outstanding knock of 137 earning him the Player of the Match title, supported by Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 58.
