“We played poorly…”: Tom Moody on Australia’s 1999 ODI WC triumph

Former Australian all-rounder and current coach of Oval Invincibles, Tom Moody revisited his side’s 1999 ODI World Cup triumph as he prepared his team for The Hundred final at Lord’s Stadium. Looking to secure consecutive titles with the Invincibles, Moody’s return to the historic venue 25 years after the World Cup victory, brought back memories of Australia’s dominant campaign.

“We came in as favourites, but we played poorly for the first half of the tournament. We basically had to win seven in a row to be crowned champions. Being part of that journey for those seven games was pretty special,” Moody said.

After a sloppy group stage which saw them lose to Pakistan and New Zealand, Australia went on to somehow qualify for the Super 6. From there on however, the whole team stepped up big time.

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Australia’s resurgence culminated in a resounding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final. Chasing a modest target of 133, Australia cruised to victory in 20.1 overs, powered by Shane Warne’s four-wicket haul and Adam Gilchrist’s blistering half-century. Moody himself contributed with the wickets of Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood.

“We had a long period of time in the dressing room to enjoy the experience of the journey and the occasion. All sorts of people came through, from family to famous cricket fans, but we were in our own bubble,” Moody said