World Cup 2023 final: 'Pitch preparation backfired on India', claim Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain

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World Cup 2023 final: Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain have reckoned that India fell in their own trap after a "wicket preparation which ended up backfiring on them" in the World Cup 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Notably, there were reports suggesting that India had requested a used and slower pitch for the final at the world's largest cricket stadium. Ahead of the toss, it was confirmed that pitch number five - which hosted the big ticket India vs Pakistan encounter - would be used for the match.

“It was very, very sub-continental conditions today. A wicket preparation that has probably ended up backfiring on India to be totally fair," Ricky Ponting said during his commentary in the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final.

England Test great Michael Vaughan also said Australia read the conditions in a better way, adding that "preparing" a pitch like that helped Pat Cummins' side in lifting their sixth World Cup title.

“Strategically they are a very clever team. They’ve clearly got a very clever thinktank. I don’t think they are a 320 side, they are a 280 side and preparing a pitch like this gave Australia a chance," Vaughan said in commentary of Australia.

“They did exactly what Pat Cummins said they would, they’ve silenced the crowd. They’ve done it in great fashion. I don’t know anyone who thought the game would be done in 43 overs with Australia coasting to the target."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain said India also suffered as they kept on thinking about lack of batting depth.

“India are still a great side - but the pitch brought Australia into it. India’s four bowlers not being able to bat that well came back to haunt them. That’s why Rahul and Kohli couldn’t go hard. They were worried about Shami at No 8," Hussain said on Sky Sports.

India, who were unbeaten in the World Cup 2023 until the semi-final, suffered a six-wicket defeat against Australia after being restricted to 240 in 50 overs. The hosts could score just four boundaries and 160 runs in their last 40 overs of batting innings.