“We have to go win a World Cup,” he said in the post-match presentation. “You just can’t wait for it to happen. And I think sometimes you have to be brave, you have to take on the game. And it was a real change after those first two games. With our batting in particular, you saw the openers were very aggressive and they pretty much didn’t waver from that for the rest of the tournament.
“I think we saved the best for last. And a couple of important players stepped up and, yeah, we’re pretty happy.”
Also in the final, Australia found themselves in trouble as they trailed 47 for 3 chasing 241. Mohammed Shami had removed David Warner for 7 in the second over and Jasprit Bumrah had trapped Mitchell Marsh for 15. Soon after, Bumrah got the wicket crucial from Steven Smith in the seventh over, pinning him in front for 4.
It was only after that that Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne combined to form the match-winning partnership of 192, not to let India into the game at any point.
“I was one of those guys with my heart pounding, I walked [after 47 for 3]” Cummins said. “Marnus was in and out and cool-headed right away. And Trav just does what he does: really brave again, he takes over the game and puts pressure on the players again. And doing it on the biggest stage shows a lot of character.”
Australia were not only impressive with bat and ball but also with their fielding. Warner, 37, in particular, was electric on the field, diving to save a series of boundaries while playing close to the rope.
“[We were] desperate sure [on the field]”Cummins said. “It all started last week in South Africa [in the semi-final]. The boys are fantastic. And we have an aged side. But everyone keeps getting into the game, [especially] when you have a stadium as big as this full.”
“Unbelievable,” Cummins said of Head’s form in the tournament. “I think you have to give it to the selectors who supported him even when he was out with a broken hand and the medical team to get him back. It was a big risk we took and it paid off and we couldn’t be happier for Travis, a legend . We love it and it’s easy to watch.”
“I have to say (the crowd) was amazing,” he said. “I was very happy. They were solid during a lot of the bowling innings. A couple of times they made noise and it was very loud. But fantastic. I mean, the passion in India is unrivaled in the whole world. And I think it’s incredible. Every person is wearing the blue shirt. So you look around and it’s a very special moment that, whatever the result, we will never forget a day like today.”
“Yeah, it’s been amazing,” he said. “We’ve spent pretty much the entire Australian winter playing overseas but we’ve had a lot of success and this tops it all, we’re on top of the mountain.”