“Ricky Ponting was the songmaster”: Tom Moody looks back on his 1999 World Cup victory | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Former Australian all-rounder and current coach of the Oval Invincibles Tom Moody revisited the site of his 1999 Cricket World Cup triumph as he prepared his team for The Hundred final at Lord’s Stadium.
Moody’s return to the historic venue 25 years after his World Cup victory brought back memories of Australia’s dominant season and aimed to make it two titles in a row with the Invincibles.
Despite joining the World Cup 1999 Australia were favourites after finishing second in 1996, but stumbled in the early stages of the tournament. After losses to New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stages, qualification hung in the balance. The team narrowly secured a place in the Super Six and needed a flawless run to lift the trophy.
“We started as favorites, but we played poorly in the first half of the tournament,” Moody admitted, looking back on the team’s turnaround. “We basically had to win seven games in a row to become champions. To be part of that journey for those seven games was very special.”
Australia’s resurgence culminated in a resounding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final. With a modest target of 133, Australia stormed to victory in 20.1 overs, powered by Shane Warne‘s four wicket haul and Adam Gilchrist‘s brilliant half-century. Moody himself contributed with the wickets of Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood.
The win sparked jubilation in the Australian dressing room, a moment that has stayed with Moody to this day. “We had a lot of time in the dressing room to enjoy the experience of the trip and the occasion,” he recalled. “All kinds of people came along, from family to famous cricket fans, but we were in our own bubble.”
The team’s traditional victory song, “Beneath the Southern Cross,” echoed through the room, led by then captain Ricky Ponting. Moody humorously recounted the experience, saying, “Traditionally, we in the Australian team always sing this team song after a Test or a win in a one-day series.” Ricky Ponting was the songmaster and he carried it on my shoulders, right in the middle. My lower back is still recovering.”
Moody’s performance in the 1999 World Cup was crucial to Australia’s success. He scored 117 runs at an impressive average of 117.00, including a half-century, and contributed seven crucial wickets. When he tried to Oval Invincible to victory at the home of cricket, the memories of his own triumph at Lord’s served as a stark reminder of the power of resilience and teamwork on the biggest stage.
Moody’s return to the historic venue 25 years after his World Cup victory brought back memories of Australia’s dominant season and aimed to make it two titles in a row with the Invincibles.
Despite joining the World Cup 1999 Australia were favourites after finishing second in 1996, but stumbled in the early stages of the tournament. After losses to New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stages, qualification hung in the balance. The team narrowly secured a place in the Super Six and needed a flawless run to lift the trophy.
“We started as favorites, but we played poorly in the first half of the tournament,” Moody admitted, looking back on the team’s turnaround. “We basically had to win seven games in a row to become champions. To be part of that journey for those seven games was very special.”
Australia’s resurgence culminated in a resounding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final. With a modest target of 133, Australia stormed to victory in 20.1 overs, powered by Shane Warne‘s four wicket haul and Adam Gilchrist‘s brilliant half-century. Moody himself contributed with the wickets of Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood.
The win sparked jubilation in the Australian dressing room, a moment that has stayed with Moody to this day. “We had a lot of time in the dressing room to enjoy the experience of the trip and the occasion,” he recalled. “All kinds of people came along, from family to famous cricket fans, but we were in our own bubble.”
The team’s traditional victory song, “Beneath the Southern Cross,” echoed through the room, led by then captain Ricky Ponting. Moody humorously recounted the experience, saying, “Traditionally, we in the Australian team always sing this team song after a Test or a win in a one-day series.” Ricky Ponting was the songmaster and he carried it on my shoulders, right in the middle. My lower back is still recovering.”
Moody’s performance in the 1999 World Cup was crucial to Australia’s success. He scored 117 runs at an impressive average of 117.00, including a half-century, and contributed seven crucial wickets. When he tried to Oval Invincible to victory at the home of cricket, the memories of his own triumph at Lord’s served as a stark reminder of the power of resilience and teamwork on the biggest stage.
