Months after securing victory in the ODI World Cup 2023, Australian cricketer David Warner acknowledged the significance of participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in understanding the playing conditions in India. With 11 matches under his belt during the tournament, Warner amassed 535 runs at a strike rate of 108.29.
During an interview on Ravichandran Ashwin’s official YouTube channel, Warner emphasised how the IPL experience provided invaluable insights into Indian pitches, including the type of soil used and how it influences the game’s dynamics. He stressed the advantage of familiarity with conditions, noting similarities between the Narendra Modi Stadium boundaries in Ahmedabad and those in Australia.
Australia’s triumph, marking their sixth 50-over World Cup victory, stood in contrast to India’s two titles in 1983 and 2011. Recalling the ODI World Cup 2023 final, India struggled to a total of 240 runs in 50 overs. Despite commendable performances from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s bowling attack.
In the chase, India had Australia at 47/3 before Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne’s impactful innings secured a six-wicket victory for Australia. Head’s blistering 137 off 120 balls and Labuschagne’s steady 58 off 110 balls left India unable to mount a comeback. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball, with support from Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell.