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The World Test Championship (WTC) final is just around the corner, and Australia, one of the cricketing powerhouses, has a formidable lineup of players who can turn the game in their favor. In this blog post, we will discuss the top five Australian players who have the potential to win the match for Australia in the WTC 2023.
These players possess the skills, experience, and hunger to excel in the longest format of the game and make a significant impact on the final. Let's dive into the details of each player and their strengths.
1. David Warner:
David Warner, Australia's go-to opener in Tests, has a reputation as a match-winner at the top of the order. Although he has experienced a rough patch recently, Warner still possesses the hunger to succeed. He has the ability to nullify any opposition's chances of winning a Test match when he gets going. It's worth noting that Warner had a tough time during the 2019 England tour, with an average of 26.04, below his overall average. However, he is currently gaining confidence with his performances in the ongoing IPL, which bodes well for his form leading up to the WTC final.
2. Usman Khawaja:
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Usman Khawaja has emerged as a calm and composed opening partner for David Warner. Although his average in England is less than 20, Khawaja has showcased his impact as an opener for the Australian team recently, boasting an average close to 70 in that role. His technical prowess and understanding of his off-stump make him a reliable batsman. While he needs to be cautious about deliveries moving away from his body, his strength on the leg side is noteworthy. Khawaja's ability to trust his defense and bat for longer periods of time makes him a player to watch out for in the WTC final.
3. Marnus Labuschagne:
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Marnus Labuschagne, the backbone of Australia's batting lineup, has established himself as a formidable Test cricketer since his debut. Once he settles in, it becomes incredibly difficult to dismiss him. Labuschagne made his mark in England during the 2019 Ashes series, amassing 353 runs in 7 innings. Having faced the likes of Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad early in his career, he has developed a resilient approach. While he hasn't dominated India yet, the WTC final presents an opportunity for him to make a significant impact. As a more matured cricketer now, Labuschagne aims to deliver on the big stage and contribute to Australia's success.
4. Steve Smith:
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Steve Smith is arguably the best Test batsman in contemporary cricket. With a Bramantesque average, Smith has consistently dominated Indian bowlers, averaging 65 against them with 8 Test centuries. In England, he has an impressive record with close to 1800 runs to his name. During the 2019 Ashes, Smith produced a phenomenal batting display, accumulating 774 runs in 7 innings with an average of 110.57. Although he had a below-par series against India earlier this year, Smith's hunger to score runs will be at an all-time high for the WTC final. Big occasions bring out the best in players like him, and he will be eager to extend his exceptional run of form.
5. Travis Head:
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Travis Head, a left-handed batter, possesses the ability to change the game's dynamics. He is comfortable batting up the order as well as coming down when needed. Head's striking average of 47.15 at a brisk strike rate of 66.50 while batting at number 5 demonstrates his capability to score quickly. In the four Tests he has played this year, Head has averaged an impressive 50.83 at a striking strike rate of 76.05. These statistics highlight his ability to seize the initiative from the opposition in no time. While he has faced challenges against swing bowling, Head will rely on his natural game and batting technique to counter the Indian bowlers in the WTC final.
Conclusion:
Australia possesses a formidable lineup of players capable of winning the match in the WTC 2023 final. David Warner's ability to nullify any team's chances, Usman Khawaja's composure, Marnus Labuschagne's resilience, Steve Smith's dominance, and Travis Head's explosiveness make them the top five Australian players to watch out for in the final. Their collective skills and hunger for success make Australia a strong contender for the WTC title. As cricket fans, we eagerly anticipate witnessing these players in action and the impact they will have on the outcome of the game.
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