New Delhi, Nov 20
Australia's legendary fast-bowler Brett Lee believes India were definitely the favourites to win the 2023 Menâ€™s ODI World Cup trophy, but Australiaâ€™s tenacity helped them pull off a victory and take their sixth 50-over title in menâ€™s international cricket.

India were the pre-tournament favourites and won 10 straight matches in familiar conditions in the competition. But their unbeaten run came to an end when they lost to Australia by six wickets in Sundayâ€™s final at Ahmedabad. India were bowled out for 240 after being put in to bat first, which Australia chased down in 43 overs, thanks to a superb 120-ball 137 from Travis Head.

â€œIf you look back on statistics and what has happened in this campaign, India should have won. India should have won the tournament with their men on paper, with their current form leading into the final.â€

â€œIndia were definitely favourites, 100 per cent favourites, but itâ€™s that old Aussie mentality to never ever give up and that goes a long way in big tournaments. There were a lot of people that wrote the Aussies off saying they werenâ€™t a chance, they did get off to a slow start.â€

â€œBut they proved once again last night that with that tenacity, dedication and self-belief amongst the team that you can actually pull anything off. They actually dominated right from ball one,â€ said Lee to foxsports.com.au.

Australiaâ€™s campaign was off to a bad start after losing to India and South Africa in the league stage. But they bounced back with a win over Sri Lanka, which began their run of winning nine straight games to claim the World Cup title.

Lee, a member of the 2003 World Cup winning side, also credited Australiaâ€™s stunning performance in the final to captain Pat Cumminsâ€™ calmness and ability to keep the team together after losing their first two games.

â€œThe captaincy from Pat Cummins to harness all that energy and belief within the team, we know what would have happened in that team meeting before going out on the field yesterday.â€

â€œHe would have said â€˜all right guys, letâ€™s just breathe, take this moment in and enjoy the 130,000 people, we may never get this moment againâ€™. To me, it would have been that calmness that Pat Cummins would have been put over his players because they werenâ€™t looking good after the first two games. They got off to a shocker, but once again with some belief and talent they have lifted the World Cup,â€ he concluded.

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Menâ€™s ODI WC: India were definitely favourites; tenacity helped Australia win title, says Brett Lee