Australia were not just up against South Africa in Thursday’s semi-final, but also had to deal with the 50,000-plus turnout at the Eden, the majority of which was cheering for the Proteas.

On Sunday at the Motera in Ahmedabad, Pat Cummins and Co. will have to tackle twice that figure that will be roaring for Team India. But the Australians being the five-time champions they are do not look to be too daunted by the partisan crowd
in an amphitheatre-like atmosphere.

“Well, we’ll be playing a game against the best in the tournament. For sure they (India) have been the best in the tournament so far and find themselves in the final. That’s what World Cups are all about,” senior pacer Mitchell Starc said at the post-match news conference.

Quinton de Kock dives to take a catch to dismiss Steve Smith. Sanat Kumar Sinha

“We’ll take on the best team throughout (the competition) and the team that has been undefeated. So, we’ll try and see what we can do. We played them in our first game of the tournament and now we take them on in the last.

“So yeah, what a place to be towards the end of the World Cup! For India, yeah, the crowd will be passionate,” the pacer said, adding that handling both pressure and skills will matter on Sunday.

India won their league match against Australia in this edition of the World Cup by six wickets at the Chepauk on October 8.

Australia captain Pat Cummins finally smiles with Mitchell Starc for company as the five-time champions make their eighth ODI World Cup final. They play India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Sanat Kumar Sinha