Australia is gearing up for the ICC World Cup 2023 final against India, but not without a playful jab from Iceland Cricket. The cricket board advised the five-time champions to meticulously check every detail, ranging from the coin’s metal and markings to the alignment of the Moon and Venus, leaving nothing to chance.
“Message to the Aussies: check everything before the final. The metal and markings on the coin, the weight of the roller, the toxins in the dressing room’s paint, the alignment of the Moon and Venus, etc. Leave nothing to chance, since you don’t want to end up feeling insecure,” Iceland Cricket Board wrote on X.
Iceland Cricket’s message emphasizes the importance of thorough scrutiny before the final showdown. The lighthearted dig comes amid reports from the Australian media about pitch changes in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, allegedly favouring Indian bowlers.
Despite the speculations, the BCCI’s adjustments to the pitch were evident before the first semi-final at Wankhede, where India triumphed over New Zealand by 70 runs. Captain Kane Williamson dismissed concerns about the strip, highlighting its role in producing a balanced contest. India’s stellar performance, led by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, resulted in a formidable total of 397, ultimately securing their spot in the final.
Foreign media outlets, including the Daily Mail and The Age, had already hinted at possible pitch changes in Ahmedabad even before the knockouts began. Former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, criticized these reports, with Gavaskar lashing out at those taking potshots at India.
As Australia prepares for the grand finale in Ahmedabad, the banter between teams continues, adding an extra layer of excitement to the much-anticipated clash on November 19.