For me, Australia’s fourth World Cup triumph in five editions is an incriminating proof of their rich sporting culture. Champions seldom miss out on the grand stage, and that sense of wanting to dominate and win at all costs is something imbibed in young Australians from a young age.
In Australia, kids are exposed to sports at a young age and their path to greatness is well-defined. Everything is set and road-mapped. When a young talent gets infrastructure and guidance, the result is a fabulous. These are how the young Aussie champs are nurtured.
Personally, I’m really overjoyed to see a bowler bagging the Man of the Series award. How well did Mitchell Starc bowl! You see, the modern-day rules are so stacked against them. The pitch is often against them and the bats have become broader and heavier. But despite all these, bowlers have managed to evolve and finds means to resurrect themselves.
No better example than Australia’s three-prong pace-battery, who were not only clocking in excess of 145 kmph on a consistent basis but also managing it with a fair bit of accuracy. Every one did their role to perfection and what a joy it was to watch them bowl. When you have such an attack, the toss becomes irrelevant.
Such an attack can put sustained pressure on any batting line-up anywhere in the world. They have given a fresh lease of life to fast bowling in general.
What’s more, the perceived hole in the fast-bowling suit too lifted himself to the occasion. James Faulkner’s contribution to his team’s cause was inconsiderable, he judiciously used his variations in the batting power play and he was fittingly chosen Man of the Match.
The chase was meagre, but how well did their batsmen respond. Their batting always projects two things — first, they bat as though ridiculing the opposition’s bowlers. Secondly, they give an impression that they are the most clinical batsmen around. These are signs of a world champion.
For Michael Clarke, this would have been an emotional moment. The timing of his retirement wouldn’t have been better — after leading his team to World Cup glory, signing off as a world champion. Hope to see him more in Tests , though.
The tournament, by and large, was a success. There were high-scoring matches, low-scoring thrillers, great spells of fast as well as spin bowling, wonderful batsmanship, terrific fielding and associate nations showing the mettle. There was a chance for everyone and for the associate teams, there is no bigger dream than playing the full members.