The highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 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, India and Australia, vying for the title of world champions.
With a substantial financial incentive at stake, this clash promises to be an exhilarating battle for both glory and prize money. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the top 10 players expected to shine in the WTC Final, discussing their skills, records, and potential impact on the game.
1) Virat Kohli:
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The former Indian captain, Virat Kohli, needs no introduction. With a prolific Test career spanning over a decade, Kohli 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. Coming off a successful IPL season, Kohli is in prime form and is poised to deliver his trademark centuries in the WTC Final.
2) Steve Smith:
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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. Having focused on county cricket in England while others were occupied with the IPL, Smith is well-prepared to showcase his skills in the WTC Final.
3) Cheteshwar Pujara:
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Known for his impeccable defense and patience at the crease, Cheteshwar Pujara 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. With 7,154 runs at an average of 43.9, including 19 hundreds and 35 fifties, Pujara provides stability and reliability to the Indian team.
4) Ravichandran Ashwin:
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India's premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, is a true match-winner with both bat and ball. His 3129 runs and 474 wickets in Test cricket, including 32 five-wicket hauls, showcase his all-round prowess. Ashwin's ability to extract turn and deceive batters, coupled with his handy contributions with the bat, make him a valuable asset for India. Expect him to make a significant impact in the WTC Final.
5) Cameron Green:
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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, and his sensational performances for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL indicate that he is in excellent form leading up to the WTC Final.
6) Ravindra Jadeja:
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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 India whenever the team needed him. His 264 wickets and 2658 runs in Test cricket illustrate his versatility and impact on the game. Jadeja's contributions will be crucial in the WTC Final.
7) Mitchell Starc:
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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 consistently troubles batsmen with his aggressive approach. His knack for picking crucial wickets at crucial moments makes him a player to watch out for in the WTC Final. Expect Starc to create havoc in the Indian batting lineup.
8) Rohit Sharma:
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As the captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma will have to lead from the front in the marquee game. Banking on his vast experience, the team management will expect him to step up on the big day and deliver ideal starts in the match. With a Test career comprising 3379 runs, including nine centuries and 14 fifties, Rohit has a proven track record. His previous success at The Oval and his ability to perform against Australia make him a key player in the WTC Final.
9) Shubman Gill:
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Shubman Gill is currently in exceptional form with the bat. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23 at home, he looked dominating, scoring 154 runs in three innings of two matches. With 890 runs in 28 innings of 15 matches, Gill has shown his efficiency in the longest format of the sport. His role in the WTC Final will be to support his captain Rohit with his spunky batting attitude. Gill's impressive record against Australia further strengthens his case as a player to watch out for.
10) Josh Hazlewood:
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Josh Hazlewood, Australia's bowling horse, is a tall fast bowler known for relentlessly bowling accurate line and length. He has already clinched 51 wickets in 15 Tests against India at a strike rate of 63.6. Hazlewood's ability to exploit Indian batsmen's weaknesses outside off-stump and generate chances in the slip cordon makes him a formidable opponent. His performance in England and his crucial role in the Australian bowling attack make him a player to keep an eye on in the WTC Final.
Conclusion:
As the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 approaches, the anticipation and excitement reach new heights. The clash between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling contest, with the top 10 players mentioned above expected to shine on the grand stage. These exceptional athletes possess the skills, experience, and form to make a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Whether it's the batting prowess of Kohli, Smith, and Pujara, the all-round abilities of Ashwin and Jadeja, or the bowling prowess of Starc and Hazlewood, each player brings a unique contribution to their respective teams. It's time for cricket fans around the world to sit back, relax, and witness the magic unfold in the highly anticipated WTC Final.
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