In a high-stakes battle at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India locked horns with Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, defending a modest total of 241 runs. Captain Rohit Sharma, with a pivotal decision at the start of the Australian innings, handed the new ball to Mohammed Shami, a choice that stirred much debate and analysis post the match.
Shami, known for his near-perfect seam position, has been a first-choice option for India with the older ball in the tournament, coming into play typically after the first few overs bowled by the opening pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This pattern saw Siraj executing a brief but impactful spell with the new ball, before the seam responsibilities were transferred to Shami’s capable hands.
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan cricket captain, expressed his views on the strategic decision which took place in the final. In an era where sports strategy is often scrutinized, Akram proposed that Siraj’s ability to swing the new ball should have been the initial weapon of choice. He suggested that shifting Shami to lead the attack with the new ball may have been an unexpected ploy, but one that carried its risks – a gamble that didn’t pay off as India had hoped.
During the much-coveted coverage of the Cricket World Cup 2023, fans and analysts have kept a close eye on the unfolding events, recording statistics like top scorers and highest wicket-takers, crucial fixtures, and the constantly evolving points table. Akram, voicing his opinion to Sportskeeda, remarked, “Psychologically, Shami knew that he comes first change, so the ball is controllable as it is a little old. Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start. If nothing had happened, Shami could have been brought on.”
Indeed, Shami’s exemplary performance in the semi-final match against New Zealand, where he claimed seven wickets and recorded some of the best figures in the history of the tournament, showcased his proficiency against left-handed batsmen. His technique, particularly his angle from around the wicket, spelled trouble for the Kiwis, as he bowled out left-handers such as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Mitchell Santner.
Facing two left-handed bats in Australia’s top seven, Travis Head and David Warner, could be seen as the rationale for choosing Shami to spearhead the bowling with the new ball on that decisive Sunday. While Shami managed to snag Warner early in the innings, his later attempts to control the ball led to extra runs, allowing the Australians to gain an edge.
“They panicked a bit,” Akram observed, noting a couple of wide deliveries from Shami. He reiterated his stance that Siraj, with his innate swing abilities, should have been granted the initial overs. This critique comes as many reflect on what could have been done differently by the Indian squad in the face of Australia’s ultimate triumph.
Providing an alternative viewpoint, former India player Suresh Raina, in his ICC column, pointed to Australian captain Pat Cummins’ decisive leadership. Highlighting key moments like Maxwell’s catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma, and astute bowling changes, Raina credited Cummins’ captaincy in turning the tide of the match by outplaying and out-planning India.
Adding to the analysis, Raina lauded Head’s match-winning performance with the bat and his contributions in the field. Despite a troubling start at 47 for three, Australia was able to steady the ship, with Head demonstrating a gutsy display of positive batting that became the game-changing innings of the final.
Despite meticulous dissections of the Indian strategy, the outcome is etched in cricket history. While Australia revels in their victory, India, the cricket community, and strategic pundits like Akram and Raina continue to dissect the many moves that determined the dramatic conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.