Pat Cummins’ Game-Changing Performance
In his recent YouTube video, ‘World Cup 2023: A Reflection’, R Ashwin delves into the exceptional performance of Pat Cummins in the World Cup final, describing his spell as a ‘game-changing’ event.
The Australian captain’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a pivotal moment. Cummins delivered a full 10-over spell, conceding a mere 34 runs and taking the crucial wickets of Shreyas Iyer (4) and the in-form Virat Kohli (54).
Most Economical Bowling Spells
Among all bowlers who bowled their full quota of 10 overs, Cummins emerged with the most economical spell, with an economy rate of 3.40. He was followed by Adam Zampa (4.40), Mitchell Starc (5.50), and Josh Hazlewood (6.00).
Decoding Cummins’ Strategy
Ashwin delved into the strategy behind Cummins’ success, explaining why the Indian batsmen found him difficult to face.
“Pat Cummins had been struggling as an ODI bowler in the World Cup,” Ashwin noted. “However, in the last 4-5 games leading up to the final, almost 50% of his deliveries were cutters.”
Ashwin further explained Cummins’ field placement during the final. “He had a 4:5 field, similar to an off-spinner – four on the off-side and five on the leg side,” Ashwin elaborated.
Key Tactics in Cummins’ Spell
Ashwin highlighted that Cummins bowled his entire 10 overs without a mid-off. “He only bowled three balls in the 6-meter mark towards the stump line, essentially not bowling full enough to allow the batsmen to drive, in his entire 10-over spell,” Ashwin stressed.
“He took crucial wickets in the final. And there were five fielders on the stump line – square leg, midwicket, deep square leg, mid-on, and long leg. He bowled his entire 10 overs without a mid-off. This was a game-changing spell by Pat Cummins, in addition to making the right call at the toss,” Ashwin further added.
Australia’s Successful Chase
After restricting India to 240, Australia successfully chased down the target in 43 overs. This was largely due to Travis Head’s Player of the Match innings of 137 and Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 58.