The atmosphere is charged as the Australian team gears up for a crucial encounter in the World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium scheduled for Sunday, November 19. The pitch, lying at the heart of this grand stage for the ultimate ODI showdown between India and Australia, has indeed become a focal point. As the world eagerly awaits to see the ascension of the new champions, the dais itself was steeped in scrutiny on the match’s eve, with both teams meticulously examining the 22-yard strip that could likely steer the course of the game.
It didn’t take long for the Australians, from the players to the coaching staff, to fixate on a five-meter stretch in front of the wicket on either side, which apparently did not receive equal watering as the middle of the pitch. This observation led the Aussie contingent to surmise that spinners might take center stage far earlier and more decisively than witnessed on other pitches during the tournament.
The pitch in Ahmedabad has been compared to the surfaces in Indore and Nagpur where the Australians had previously contended, albeit with varying outcomes. Notably, Australia trumped the challenge in Indore, with Travis Head playing a pivotal role—something they hope to emulate in the upcoming finale.
Despite this pre-match analysis, the mood in the Australian camp was not one of grief but more an air of anticipated pragmatism—a necessary mental framework should they intend to counter the formidable Indian squad, which has, thus far, presented an indomitable front and consistently neutralized the pitch factor through sheer class.
The pitch designated for the final was also the battlefield for the historic India-Pakistan clash witnessed over a month ago, which received an “average” rating by the ICC, sharing the same distinction as the surface offered up for the India vs. Australia group match in Chennai. This symmetry brings an intriguing anticipation regarding India’s team selection, particularly if the seasoned spinner R Ashwin is recalled, indicating the hosts’ expectations from the pitch.
When probed about his views on the pitch, Australian captain Pat Cummins offered a subdued take, emphasizing the pitch’s firmness and referencing the high-scoring games it has hosted. Notably, the ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson and the team of officials were seen engrossed in discussions with the groundstaff over the much-debated strip.
Observers from afar noted a patchwork of greens and browns across the pitch once the covers were removed—fresher in the middle than at the ends. These details have further bolstered the Australians’ belief that the spinners will be crucial in shaping the outcome before more than 100,000 cheering spectators.
Meanwhile, speculation about the pitch’s character had also surfaced during the semi-final between India and New Zealand held in Mumbai, amidst murmurs of a last-minute switch allegedly at the behest of the Indian camp. However, none of this had any bearing on the Indian team’s performance as they hammered a substantial total before cruising to a victory propelled by their formidable bowling line-up—a feat they aim to repeat as they stand on the brink of world domination.
The climax of the World Cup looms large, with both teams aware that the pitch in Ahmedabad could very well be the stage where heroes are forged and legacies cemented. The Australian side braces for a test by spin, as the final battle for supremacy in cricket’s greatest showdown is all set to unfold.