(Info4now)- When you start writing about the World Test Championship Final or WTC Final 2023 and you still carry in your mind the IPL2023 Final, it’s always something of an unmatchable thing in cricket. But the gap between the two games and the weight of those styles of demand somehow bother you. So in the string of a high quality contest, one franchise cricket and an ICC event enhance the temperature of the game.
Kane Williamson somehow managed to break through the odds of the 2019 final against England and clinched the maiden trophy of this new championship, i.e of WTC Final of 2021 in Southampton. So, India, the runners up of the last contest again get the chance to fight for the same trophy against Australia and with the pressure of breaking that odds. Australia, on the other hand, must be very okay with their squad and their main problem is their record against India in recent years is very poor.
Preview: IND vs AUS WTC Final 2023, The Oval.
Can Shubman Gill change the game for India? It’s not easy for him to shift himself to a hard wicket comfortably as he played very well on the dead soils of Indian Premier League for the last two months. Rather, Rohit Sharma who is not in great touch might give India a balanced start. There must be huge expectations from Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara later in the course of the game. Virat Kohli needs no introduction.
Taking no exceptional risks on the card, India will probably play both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. It’ll leave them playing just three pacers as they have no Cameron Green to replace. Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj are two confirmed strike bowlers to start, but the third seamer has to be one who can make the ball move on the pitch of the Oval. Jaydev Unadkat with his experience may gain that opportunity.
If Australia can forget the past, they will start with an edge over India and if they don’t, it’s completely a fifty fifty contest. David Warner to play his last Test against India and the top class seamers of India will test him. The other two top order batsmen Khawaja and Labuschagne are very sound with their techniques. Steve Smith is going to be the key with an average of almost one hundred at Kennington.
Three pacers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Bolland will test Indian top order. With no leg spinner in Australia squad, Nathan Lyon might remain unsuccessful against right hand dominating Indian batting line up. Cameron Green’s occasional representation will be very handy to manage the tiredness of the fast bowlers.
To Conclude
It’s a fantastic track to bat at Kennington Oval. Even though there might be bounce, the probability of swing is less than that of Lord’s. Winning the toss, to bat is very common. For the bowlers it’s how they can hit the length more than to deliver a full. Still it’s a pace friendly wicket and the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja might be at issue.
Probable Playing XI: IND vs AUS, WTC Final 2023.
India(Probable): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K. S. Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja/ Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat and Md Shami.
Australia(Expected): Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.