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‘Keeping The Indian Crowd Quiet...,’ Steve Smith On World Cup 2023 Final Win

image-ls76roxlSmith averaged 33.55 with the bat in ten matches in the World Cup 2023. (X.com)

The biggest moment for the Australian team in 2023 was the fact that they outplayed hosts India to win the World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad. Recalling the incredible win, star batter Steve Smith stated that keeping the home crowd quiet was special. Despite India entering the final with 10 consecutive wins and being the favorites, Australia executed a near-perfect game, securing their record-extending sixth title.

Ahead of the 2023 World Cup final, the pressure was on Australia. They were considered as the underdogs against an Indian team that had won 10 consecutive matches. Adding to the pressure of facing a high-flying Indian team was the fact they would be playing against the jam-packed Ahmedabad stadium supporting the Indian team. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins, in the pre-match press conference, said that Australia would look to silence the crowd, and much to the delight of their fans back in Australia, they did just that.

Victory for Australia marked a crowning achievement in what was an exceptional year for Pat Cummins’ team across various formats, adding to their win over India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June and their subsequent retention of the Ashes.

At the conclusion of every Australian summer, the country's cricketing elite assembles to acknowledge the achievements of the past 12 months.

The Allan Border Medal stands as the premier award bestowed upon the best men's player over the preceding year, while the Belinda Clark Award recognizes the best women's player. Mitchell Marsh claimed the top honor (AB medal), and the Belinda Clark award was secured by Ashleigh Gardner.

Smith, a contender for the AB Medal who was present at the award ceremony, reflected on the ‘special’ World Cup victory in front of a packed house.

"The World Cup win was special, in front of a packed house, keeping the Indian crowd quiet was special,”  said Steve Smith.

Smith also lauded the efforts of Travid Head and Marnus Labuchagne for their contributions with the bat in the all-important final.

“Travis Head, the show he put on was just incredible. (He) took the game on even when we were 3 for 60-odd (47 for 3), just kept going, kept playing to his strengths. I thought Marnus played an unbelievable knock at the other end in a supporting role. It was a great partnership, and yeah, another one (World Cup title),”  added Smith.

While the Australians enjoyed a memorable campaign in the World Cup, the tournament proved to be underwhelming for Smith. He fell short of his usual standards throughout the competition, managing an average of 33.55 with the bat in ten matches, achieving half-centuries only twice — against the Netherlands and Bangladesh.