Xtra Time Web Desk: The Australian cricket team exhibited a focused demeanor during their training at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a day before the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against India. The Aussies engaged in a light training session, with particular attention given to key batters such as Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne. The trio faced local left-arm spinners and an off-spinner in the nets, strategically preparing to confront the challenges posed by India’s formidable spin trio – Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI remained uncertain.
The atmosphere within the Australian camp appeared relaxed, as all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green took turns bowling in the nets. Notably, Smith and Head honed their skills against leg-spinner Jason Sanga, while the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc skipped the practice session on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Australian captain Pat Cummins downplayed any concerns regarding the Ahmedabad pitch for the World Cup final against India. Emphasizing that the pitch would be the same for both teams, Cummins expressed a lack of concern about the playing surface. During the press conference leading up to the final, Cummins adeptly handled queries about the pitch, revealing that the 22-yard strip had been previously used in the India vs Pakistan game on October 14.