World Cup Final 2023: 'Very dry pitch' will assist spinners, says Ravi Shastri at pitch report
World Cup 2023 Final, IND vs AUS: The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was the same one that was rolled out for India's win against Pakistan. However, the groundstaff have not covered it much in the lead-up to the big match and hence it's drier than normal.
In Short
- Australia won the toss and opted to field in the big final
- The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium was a dry one, said Ravi Shastri at the pitch report
- India resisted their temptation to play an extra spinner on the dry pitch
The pitch report is out. The much-anticipated first glimpse of the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the World Cup 2023 Final between India and Australia the came through minutes before the toss with former India captain Ravi Shastri confirming that the surface was drier than expected.
India vs Australia, World Cup Final: Live Scorecard
The pitch for the final is the same that was used for India's win over Pakistan at the iconic venue - the strip No. 5.
"Pitch number five. Same wicket that was used for India vs Pakistan. It's different from that one because it's been left open for quite a long time. It looks very dry, not much rolling. Looks patchy, especially in the areas where spinners will land the ball. I expect it to turn a bit.
"Dew is uncontrollable. If there's no dew, you could be in trouble. Batting first, and getting runs on the board is premium. But India won't be too bothered either way," Ravi Shastri told the broadcasters.
India have played with 5 specialist bowlers, including all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, ever since Hardik Pandya was injured during the league game against Bangladesh. Mohammed Shami, who was benched for the first 4 matches, has been an inspiration with the ball, picking up 23 wickets in just 6 matches, including a 5-wicket haul.
India played 3 spinners only once in the tournament - their opener against Australia in Chennai when R Ashwin made the XI on a dry pitch.
On the other hand, Australia have played only one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa while they have used Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head as part-time spinners.
As it turned out, India went in with an unchanged XI, resisting the temptation to play R Ashwin in the big final against Australia. Mohammed Siraj retained his place.
On the other hand, Australia also went in with an unchanged XI for the big final.
WORLD CUP FINAL: TEAM NEWS
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.