Australia
India
In a culmination of two years of gruelling Test cricket, India and Australia have emerged as the victors, paving their way to the highly anticipated World Test Championship final. Through their exceptional performances in various test series, both teams have showcased their dominance and now stand on the brink of claiming the prestigious test mace and securing the top spot in the ICC rankings.
Scheduled from Wednesday, June 7th to Sunday, June 11th, 2023, the epic clash will unfold at the iconic Kennington Oval Stadium in London, serving as a neutral ground to ensure a level playing field for both nations. While Australia embarks on its maiden appearance in the WTC Final, India returns for their second consecutive attempt, seeking redemption after their defeat to New Zealand in the previous edition.
The stakes couldn't be higher as these cricketing powerhouses vie for supremacy. India, having finished atop the table, will be determined to make amends for their previous loss and etch their name in the history books. Meanwhile, Australia, with its rich cricketing legacy, will be eager to make a statement and add another illustrious chapter to its storied cricketing journey. The top bookmakers in India have odds with them for this final
AustraliaIndiaIndia's chances in the World Test Championship final have taken a hit as they will be without their key players, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. Bumrah, a dominant force across all formats, is known for his lethal bowling, while Pant brings an X-factor with his dynamic batting. Their absence will be keenly felt, but India still possesses a talented squad capable of overcoming Australia and clinching the championship. Unfortunately, KL Rahul will also be sidelined due to an injury sustained during the IPL.
Ajinkya Rahane might start in the playing XI after log absence in Test format.
Predicted Lineup: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubhman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammad Siraj
Australia's squad for the World Test Championship final is mostly free from injury worries, with the exception of Josh Hazlewood. While Hazlewood has made significant progress in his recovery, there is uncertainty regarding his inclusion in the playing XI, considering the upcoming Ashes series. Australia has capable replacements for him, and the team management will need to assess the risks involved.
Australia will go with their tried and tested combination.
Predicted Lineup: David Warner, Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon
The Indian team faces two crucial selection dilemmas: the wicketkeeper and the third fast bowler. Ishan Kishan is favored over K. S. Bharat for his aggressive batting style and X-factor. Shardul Thakur, known for his batting prowess, is likely to be included as the third pacer alongside Umesh Yadav. Australia, on the other hand, will opt for a bowling combination of three pacers, a spinner, and the all-rounder Cameron Green. David Warner's experience makes him a likely choice to open the innings.
However, with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in superb form, the match at The Oval promises to be an intense contest. India's strong batting line-up, resilient mindset, and depth in the squad give them a strong chance of winning the World Test Championship final. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, their formidable bowling unit led by Shami and Siraj provides a potent threat. With their adaptability and determination, India has the potential to emerge victorious in this crucial match.
