Mitchell Starc took a swipe at India, in light of the pitch-swapping controversy in the semi-final, joking that the hosts could look to play on a used track again in the final of the 2023 World Cup on Sunday.
The semi-final between India and New Zealand was controversial as a used pitch was used for the match instead of the fresh pitch provided. Organizers are said to have made the change without consulting ICC pitch curator Andy Atkinson, sparking controversy before the match even started. India won in the semi-finals and five-time champions will now play Australia in the final after defeating South Africa in the last 16.
Chasing 212 for victory, Australia did not have it easy and struggled against the slow bowlers at Eden Gardens. The spin trio of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram conceded 89 runs in 28 overs at an economy rate of 3.18, while the slower bowlers also picked up four of the seven wickets that fell.
Australia eventually won by three wickets, chasing the target in 47.2 overs, but were outmaneuvered by the slower bowlers on a track rich in highlights.
Ahead of the final in Ahmedabad, Starc was asked whether playing slow bowlers would be a problem given his team’s struggle against South Africa’s spinners against India. he replied jokingly. “When I get to Ahmedabad tomorrow, I’ll know whether it’s the new wicket or the old wicket.”
India’s spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were the main destroyers of the middle overs, taking 16 and 15 wickets respectively in the World Cup. India have won all 10 matches in the tournament so far, while Australia have won eight in a row after starting the World Cup with two losses.
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