To bat first or bowl first? To play another specialist bowler or an extra all-rounder? To contain the batsmen or try to get them out? To smash fours and sixes or bat conservatively with singles and twos?
The answers to these questions vary from venue to venue, apart from depending on the game situation, opposition, and a team's resources. That's what makes the 2023 ODI World Cup in India fascinating. Tactics are making or breaking teams more than ever in these circumstances.
Take the toss, for starters. In most Test matches and even ODIS, it's fairly obvious how to gain an advantage from winning the toss. Not so in this World Cup. Australia won the toss in their first two games. They chose to bat first against India in Chennai and lost that game. Then they decided to bowl first against South Africa in Lucknow, and lost again. They lost the toss but won the game against Sri Lanka in Lucknow.
On the eve of their fourth game against Pakistan in Bengaluru, at the pre-match press conference, Mint asked the Aussie captain, Pat Cummins, if he was hoping to lose the toss the next day. He maintained that the toss was not a significant factor. "When you look at the statistics around the toss, just about every venue is 50-50," he said. "In the first two games, we were totally outplayed. Whether we batted or bowled first, I don't think it would have mattered too much."
Well, Australia did lose the toss against Pakistan in Bengaluru, and won the game. Pak skipper Babar Azam chose to bowl first, anticipating dew at night, which never arrived. They then succumbed to the scoreboard pressure of chasing the big Aussie total of 367.
Cummins also pointed out that hoping to take advantage of dew is a double-edged sword. "Dew may play a part in the last 15-20 overs where bowling gets difficult at the back end. But the ball might zip and seam around more under lights (at the start of the second half). So it's a balancing act."
Denne historien er fra October 25, 2023-utgaven av Mint Mumbai.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 25, 2023-utgaven av Mint Mumbai.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Reduction of energy costs in the telecom sector
With telecom infrastructure companies looking for newer ways to cut back on energy costs, battery restoration technology provides telecom infrastructure firms with a viable, economical and green solution for uninterrupted power supply
Skip cheese and sip wine in Switzerland
Beyond chocolates and cheese, there's another Swiss gem to discover — vineyards that have been passed down through the generations
Bankers aren't always frank about bank regulation
The 'world's banker' Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, speaks his mind even if it means taking swipes at US regulators.
Baku: A climate breakthrough looks depressingly bleak today
The success of fossil fuel-favouring politics threatens the planet
Global solidarity levies can play a vital role in our climate efforts
Solidarity taxes could support redistributive measures and optimize how we collectively tackle a great challenge of our times
Speak for the Earth: It's the least we should do
This year's Booker prize winner turns our gaze to the planet from orbit and reminds us of the climate disaster that looms. Can odes sung to Earth move the world to act in its defence?
Aim for an efficient carbon market right from the start
India's economy is projected to grow dramatically over the next few decades. In nominal terms, it may double in size by 2030. This is exciting, but it comes with a significant risk.
Why health insurers refuse to cover certain treatments
While 12 modern treatments are covered, many advanced procedures are yet to be included
Address economic distress with structural reforms and not doles
Cash transfers may offer short-term relief but raising worker incomes is the only lasting solution
FUNDING FOREIGN EDUCATION: SHOULD YOU SAVE OR BORROW?
Education financing needs vary, but early planning is key to building your desired corpus
