Former England spinner Graeme Swann highlighted a significant weakness in the Australian cricket team ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against India on Sunday (November 19).
As the ICC World Cup 2023 Final approaches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Swann said that Australia might face a tough challenge from India, who have played with a positive approach throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on Australia's struggle against spin, Swann cited Pat Cummins and his team’s performance in their World Cup 2023 opener in Chennai, where they were bowled out for a mere 199 runs by India.
According to Swann, unless Australia addresses their issues against spin, India could dominate the title clash in front of the packed Ahmedabad crowd.
Graeme Swann said on News18: “It's very natural to hold those demons inside when you have lost to a team. This Indian side haven't shown any weaknesses throughout this tournament. Australia have shown glaring weaknesses against spin.”
He added, “Even against South Africa in the last game, they squeaked home, they didn't dominate the game. Only chasing 212, they nearly made a hash of it. Australia have limped into the final whereas India have skipped and cartwheeled their way into the final.”
Meanwhile, Swann said that if Team India plays with the same brand of cricket as they have so far in the World Cup 2023, Australia can’t stay in the final clash.
The commentator continued, “If India approach the game with the same sort of positivity and mindset they did in the semifinal, there is still no contest, India will win. But Australia are a team you can never ever write off, unfortunately, for an Englishman to say that.”
He signed off by saying, “These are the two best teams and they are in the final. This is the grandest final we are going to get. My mouth is wet with anticipation for this game. Of course, I will be supporting India. There won't be a single Englishman on the planet who is cheering for Australia in this game.”
(With News18 Inputs)
