The highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is just around the corner, scheduled to take place from June 7 to June 11. This prestigious event brings together the top test-playing nations, vying for the title of world champions. In the WTC Final 2023, two cricket powerhouses, India and Australia, will lock horns. Both teams have showcased exceptional skills and determination throughout the championship, making for an exciting clash.
Not only is the WTC Final a battle for glory, but there’s also a substantial financial incentive at stake. The winners will be rewarded with a prize money of $1.6 million, while the runners-up will receive $800,000. In case of a tie or a draw, both teams will share the prize money, receiving $1.2 million each.
As we anticipate this thrilling contest, let’s take a closer look at the top 7 players expected to shine in the WTC Final:
1) Virat Kohli
The former Indian captain needs no introduction. With a prolific Test career spanning over a decade, Kohli has been phenomenal in the each and every format that he has represented India in and has amassed an impressive tally of 8,416 runs at an average of 48.9. His ability to lead from the front and play crucial innings under pressure makes him a key player for India. Plus, he is coming from a very good IPL season and is looking all set to hit centuries, like he used to do earlier.
2) Steve Smith
Australia’s batting maestro, Steve Smith, has consistently proven himself in the longest format of the game. With 8,792 runs to his name, including 30 centuries and 37 half-centuries, Smith’s unorthodox technique and immense concentration pose a formidable challenge for any bowling attack. While everyone else was busy in playing IPL, he along with Indians’s Cheteshwar Pujara were playing county cricket in England.
3) Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his impeccable defense and patience at the crease and is a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. His ability to soak up pressure and score crucial runs in challenging conditions has been instrumental in India’s success. Pujara’s 7,154 runs at an average of 43.9 make him a dependable batter. He has 19 hundreds and 35 fifties under his name.
4) Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, is a true match-winner with both bat and ball. His 3129 runs and 474 wickets with 32 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket showcase his all-round prowess. Ashwin’s ability to extract turn and deceive batter, coupled with his handy contributions with the bat, make him a valuable asset for India. He has 5 centuries and 13 half-centuries to his name.
5) Cameron Green
Cameron Green is a rising star in Australian cricket and has shown great promise in his young career. With an average of 37.6 and a Test century to his name, Green possesses the ability to contribute with both bat and ball. His seam bowling adds depth to the Australian lineup. Moreover, he is having a great IPL season and has been playing sensationally for the 5 time IPL champions Mumbai Indians.
6) Ravindra Jadeja
Being an exceptional all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja brings immense value to the Indian team. With his left-arm spin and explosive batting skills, Jadeja has been a game-changer for the team whenever the team needed him. His 264 wickets and 2658 runs in Test cricket illustrate his versatility and impact on the game. Therefore, he is one of the player who is expected to perform at the grand stage.
7) Mitchell Starc
Australia’s pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, is known for his sheer speed and ability to swing the ball. With 306 Test wickets to his credit, Starc has consistently troubled batsmen with his aggressive approach. His knack for picking crucial wickets at crucial moments makes him a player to watch out for. Therefore, he is expected to get some big wickets and perform well against Australia in the WTC Final 2023.
Also Read: WTC 2023 Final: Shardul Thakur to be Selected ahead of R Ashwin – Sources
These top 7 players have showcased their skills and match-winning abilities throughout their careers, and they are expected to make a significant impact in the WTC Final 2023. As the world watches them at the stage is set for an exhilarating battle between India and Australia to determine the ultimate Test champions.
WTC Final 2023: Full Squad
Indian Squad for WTC Final:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat
Australia Squad for WTC Final:
Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner