India vs Australia, WTC 2023 Final Preview

India vs Australia Head-to-Head Record in Test Matches  (Image Source: Google)

The stage is set for the ultimate showdown as two cricket giants clash for the highly coveted prize in the World Test Championship final. This prestigious trophy represents excellence and is the culmination of two years of unwavering dedication, perseverance, and unwavering performance. The epic battle between India and Australia will take place at the Kennington Oval in London, starting on Wednesday, June 7th, at 3:30 p.m. IST.

India vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final: Preview

India has dominated against Australia over the last two years in the longest format. Australia was completely outclassed by the Indian team, but the venue and the team that the Indian team is going to face in the World Test Championship final are completely different from those they faced in the earlier matches.

Injuries have weakened the Indian squad. The unavailability of Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer makes it a completely different game.

The return of Ajinkya Rahane to the test squad after two long years strengthens the middle order. Subhman Gill will be under the scanner as he is set to play at the iconic Lords for the first time in his career.

Cheteswar Pujara has been in England for a while, playing county cricket. He has racked up 545 runs in 8 innings. Pujara's good run of form ahead of the big game is a huge positive for the Indian team.

Virat Kohli has just one fifty at Oval. In six innings, he has managed to score 169 runs. Kohli's staggering record against Australia in the longer format could play into India's hands. He has scored 1979 runs in 42 innings against Australia.

Rohit Sharma has scored 138 runs in two innings at Oval. Rohit is often known to step up his game when it matters the most, and his record in finals is staggering. Rohit Sharma has never lost a final while captaining. It will be a real test for "Hitman" against the strong bowling lineup of Australia. Rohit has scored 650 runs in 20 innings against Australia.

Mohammad Shami will lead the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammad Siraj and Umesh Yadav are the other two pacers likely to be in the playing XI. If India feels the need for an additional batsman, then they could pick Shardul Thakur in place of Umesh Yadav.

In the spin department, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are the two frontline spinners. The selection of Axar Patel depends on a call from the team management.

In 14 test matches played at Oval, India managed to win two matches, which sums up how India has fared at the iconic cricket stadium.

India has had a dominant record in recent years against the Aussies. India defeated Australia twice in their last five head-to-head encounters, while the Aussies managed to sneak a solitary win.

Australia has the upper hand entering the finals of the World Test Championship against India. The conditions favour their fast bowlers. The Australian pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, and Cameron Green can be deadly dangerous on a track that offers swing. 

The batting lineup of the Australians looks solid. David Warner is back in the squad for the final game. Warner and Khawaja are likely to open the inning for the Aussies.

Warner has scored 1174 runs in 37 innings against India in test matches Nathan Lyon will play a key role on days 3 and 4 of the test match. His record against India is unmatchable. Australia will back itself to win the match against India.

Pitch Report, Ground Stats, Kennington Oval

The surface at Lords has assistance to bowlers on the first day of the test match with a bit of grass on the surface. As the test match progresses it becomes easier to bat on. The team winning the toss will prefer to bowl first. 

• Matches Played: 104  
• Teams won batting first: 38 
• Teams won batting second: 29 
• Average 1st innings score: 345 runs 
• Average 2nd innings score: 304 runs 
• Average 3rd innings score: 238 runs 
• Average 4th innings score: 157 runs 

India vs Australia Head-to-Head Record in Test Matches 

Matches Played: 106  

India won: 32 

Australia won: 44 

Drawn: 29  

Tie: 1  

India vs Australia Probable Playing XI 

India: Rohit Sharma ©, Shubman Gill, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Umesh Yadav/ Shardul Thakur. 

Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. 

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Vishnu Reddy