WTC Final: Australia Preview

Jun 3, 2023

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The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final will witness the clash between the Rohit Sharma-led India and the Pat Cummins-led Australia. The one-off Test match is scheduled to be played from June 7 at The Oval in London. 

Team India will compete in the WTC final for the second time on the trot whereas this will be Australia’s first final. The first edition of the WTC final, held in 2021, saw the clash between India and New Zealand, which was won by the Kane Williamson-led side.

Despite his dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, David Warner may take the opening position for Australia in the match. He only scored 26 runs in the four-match series, but based on his experience he might walk straight into the XI. 

Usman Khawaja should be another Australian opener. Notably, Khawaja scored 333 runs in seven innings for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India earlier this year, including a century and two fifties at an average of 47.57.

Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 244 runs in eight innings, including a fifty at an average of 40.66 in the recent Test series against India, will be key for Australia in their top-order in the summit clash. Veteran Steve Smith and Travis Head will be two crucial batters in the team’s middle order while Alex Carey will be Australia’s wicketkeeper in the one-off Test. 

Cameron Green is the one player to watch out for in the Australian team. In two innings of the series against India, the rookie all-rounder scored 135 runs, including a century. Notably, the 23-year-old recently had a remarkable campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Nathan Lyon, who took 22 wickets and finished as Australia’s highest wicket-taker in the WTC final, may be the ideal pick as a spinner. Meanwhile, Australia will continue to be captained by Pat Cummins who missed the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

After being named in Australia’s 15-member squad, Josh Hazlewood is still in contention to play in the final. Hazlewood returned from the IPL early due to injury, but scans indicated no damage and he has already resumed bowling. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw have been put into Australia’s reserves.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Steven Smith (vice-capt), Mitchell Starc, David Warner

Standbys: Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw

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