The excitement surrounding the ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2021-23) Final is reaching unprecedented heights. Former Australian captain Tom Moody has unveiled his carefully crafted Australia playing XI, instilling confidence in the struggling batter David Warner.
Australia faces a monumental challenge in their quest to outshine the mighty Men in Blue. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian side boasts a formidable pace attack spearheaded by the lethal duo of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
India’s susceptibility to losing wickets, particularly against the cunning off-spinner Nathan Lyon, has been a cause for concern. Lyon’s exceptional performance in the recent BGT 2023, where he claimed 22 wickets with pinpoint accuracy, underscores his threat to the Indian batting lineup.
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The onus falls on skipper Rohit Sharma to lead his team responsibly, especially considering his recent struggle to dominate opposition bowlers since the Nagpur (1st Test) match. The initial phase at The Oval promises a challenging test, examining the batters’ mettle.
With the WTC 2021-23 Final being played with the Duke ball, the pacers are expected to play a pivotal role until the new ball comes into play. Cameron Green’s overs hold immense significance for both teams, as India will likely target him to gain an advantage.
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In a captivating interaction with ESPNcricinfo, Tom Moody unveiled his comprehensive playing XI for the highly anticipated WTC Final. Moody’s selection featured a formidable trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. While there have been discussions about Scott Boland potentially replacing Josh Hazlewood in the summit clash, Moody stood by his initial choice.
“For the World Test Championship, my Australian XI will consist of Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and the off-spin wizard Nathan Lyon,” shared Tom Moody.
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With a star-studded lineup brimming with talent and experience, Australia aims to make their mark on the grandest stage of Test cricket. Moody’s strategic selections underscore the depth and strength of the Australian squad as they prepare to lock horns with their formidable Indian opponents.
As the countdown to the WTC Final continues, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the clash of titans, eagerly awaiting the thrilling spectacle that will unfold at the prestigious Oval. The stage is set for an enthralling battle, and fans can’t wait to witness history in the making.