Aussies have a reputation in ICC events, says Moody

Former Australian cricketer and head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad Tom Moody praised the Australian cricket team for their remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure, especially during ICC tournaments

Hyderabad: Former Australian cricketer and head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad Tom Moody praised the Australian cricket team for their remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure, especially during ICC tournaments.

“The Australians have built that reputation through consistent success in major tournaments. When it comes to ICC events, Australia somehow elevates their game to another level as a team,” Moody said in conversation with Star Sports.

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“They genuinely embrace the challenges of tournament cricket and thrive under the pressure of these high-stakes matches,” he said.

“It’s also about confidence. Historically, many of their players have won multiple ICC tournaments, and they’ve grown up watching previous generations achieve the same success. That winning mentality is ingrained in them,” Moody said.

Moody also acknowledged the threat posed by Jansen and Rabada but backed Australia to prevail due to their big-match experience.

“You can never discount Rabada, and especially Jansen. At nearly seven feet tall, Marco Jansen brings height, bounce, and new-ball swing – he’ll be a genuine threat. And Rabada? We know his Test pedigree – he’s delivered repeatedly,” he said.

“That said, I’d still back Australia here – not out of bias, but experience. With Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc – three battle-hardened pacers who’ve played multiple Ashes in England – they know Lord’s intimately. And let’s not forget Nathan Lyon’s perfect supporting role,” Moody said.

The former Australian cricketer also emphasised the importance of adapting to pressure and conditions in a one-off Test final, backing Australia for their greater big-match experience.

He said that it could be difficult, but like any big occasion or final, it’s about bringing the best version of yourself to the stage at that moment.

“So, you need to trust your instincts and make sure that you cut out the negativity — the fact that you haven’t played Test cricket for several months, or you’re suddenly turning up in England and facing completely different conditions,” Moody said.

“That’s the nature of Test cricket, and that’s the beauty of Test cricket — being able to adapt and evolve on the move, to respond when you need to. I think both teams will be very aware of that. I think Australia has a slight advantage, purely because they’ve played more big matches than South Africa have over recent years,” he explained.