However, the IPL has had an impact in more ways than one. For all its positives, the inability of some to separate the IPL and Indian national team is difficult to comprehend. Rivalries between ‘superfans’ of certain players dominate discussions online, despite the fact that each and every individual in the national team shares a common goal: representing India with pride and doing all they can to win.
Virat Kohli has copped widespread criticism for eating
So why don’t some fans share those views?
To witness certain India supporters rush to Twitter to share their happiness at a player’s dismissal or failure is quite incredible. Or to defend someone at all costs when they were shedding criticism on a “rival” player over the years for similar performances and decisions.
Having a favourite player is completely fine, but why at the expense of someone else? Doesn’t it make more sense to want Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and the nine others to perform for the sake of the national team? Apparently not.
-Some Rutu fans wait Gill's failure -Some Kohli fans wait for Rohit's failure -Some Rohit fans wait for Kohli's failure -Some Dhoni fans wait for India's failure
Times like these are best for one to figure out who are genuine Indian fans worried about Team India, no matter who is leading them, and who are busy comparing the performances of two captains ?
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) June 8, 2023
IPL rivalry healthy, but not when it gets in the way of support for Team India
IPL rivalry is healthy and promotes talking points. It boosts ratings and keeps the competition flowing. However, as an outsider, it is clear to see the rivalry has spilt over into the national team where both Rohit and Virat have achieved a remarkable things.
When it comes to India, it surely should be put to the side.
Can't bat Can't field Overagression Catch drops ✅ Chamiya Dance ✅ Overagression ✅ rr in interviews ✅ choking in KO ✅ Panoti ✅✅✅
Think of the England national football team. Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane is the captain. Arsenal have a traditional and fiery rivalry with Kane’s Tottenham, but all, including Arsenal fans, come together to support the whole team. “It’s coming home”, remember?
It is something difficult to understand as an Australia fan. Both Rohit and Virat are representing your country in an ICC final. Why would one be happy if either or both are dismissed cheaply? Or use it as an opportunity to belittle rather than suggest a meaningful replacement or provide thoughtful analysis? Or to point out which players were or weren’t playing at certain points under each player’s captaincy?
Also, there seems to be a time limit on when you can and can’t eat. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if the tweet author was munching on a snack while typing and then hitting send.
Even Rohit Sharma was eating banana when India was in a very tough situation against Pakistan but these toxic fans gonna troll Virat Kohli as he was having his meal after getting out. ?
– Ashwin's exclusion – Rohit Sharma's choking in big games – Pujara's low scores even after playing county – Kohli and Gill's batting failure – Rohit Sharma's pathetic captaincy – Bowlers leaking 469 runs on green top
India’s tactics were questionable in the WTC 2021 Final. As they have been in 2023 as well. Instead of celebrating failures and comparing food habits, more attention should be on the think tank’s decisions in big games regardless of who the captain is.
If the team doesn’t come first for certain fans, they will focus on the player rivalry rather than what is best for the team. As an Australia fan, it would be great to see insightful analysis on Team India rather than simply belittling players who have poured everything they have for the jersey, including beating Australia in Australia on two separate occasions.
Cricket News: Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Smith, Head dominate Ashwin-less India | WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions
The game that everyone had been waiting for, the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final, begun on Wednesday, June 7. But, it was one-sided. After a fantastic day for Australia, they will begin day two on a comfortable 327-3, courtesy of an unbeaten 251-run partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith.
Here are three of the major talking points from Day 1 of the WTC Final, and how fans on Twitter reacted to them.
WTC Final 2023 Day 1 reactions: Ashwin left out, Australia dominate
Number 1 ICC Test Bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, left out for Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav
In the buildup, India’s possible playing XI sparked a lot of debate. A number of fans and experts had contrasting views regarding whether R Ashwin should play or whether India will opt for four seamers.
The suspense came to an end at the toss where Rohit Sharma announced that Ashwin, the top-ranked Test bowler, had been left out.
Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Decision to leave Ashwin out brought about lots of criticism.
At the toss, Pat Cummins said that he expects to see a bit of spin in the last two days of the Test. If that happens, India would feel they made a blunder by leaving their premier spinner out. However, regardless of how the pitch behaves on the last two days, the off-spinner’s absence could be felt on the first day itself.
Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav managed to take just the combined one wicket across 32 overs, conceding over four per over. Both looked underdone. Against a team with plenty of left-handers, Ashwin, who averages 19 against lefties in Tests, could certainly have made an impact. If not by wickets, then by control at the very least.
Also, Ricky Ponting on air said the pitch beneath the grass looked dry. He criticised the decision to leave Ashwin out, saying it seemed as if India had picked a bowling line up for the first innings only. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar also disapproved of the decision, saying that some players simply cannot be dropped, irrespective of the pitch and conditions.
The dude who has 474 test wickets and is the World’s top ranked bowler, taking drinks for a bowling unit of 4 bowlers who have 469 wickets among them. Because ‘conditions’. #INDvsAUS#ashwinpic.twitter.com/Fm1fyvJ0aM
The world's best off spinner is left out of the team to accommodate an average medium pace trundler because of "conditions." Don't remember SL leaving out Murali bcos of conditions or Australia dropping Warnie often. #Ashwin may not be a Warne or a Murali but he's not too far off… https://t.co/SsR8gz58oj
Doesn’t matter what happens in this Test, I’ll remain stunned the No.1 ranked Test bowler was left out. Just think about who the Aussies would prefer facing – Thakur or Ashwin? #INDvAUS
Sunil Gavaskar said, "India missed a trick by not playing Ravi Ashwin. He's the No.1 Ranked bowler, you don't look at pitch for players like him". (Star). pic.twitter.com/9GXvFGdFzB
David Warner showing his experience with a gritty knock in a big game
Conditions were overcast and the pitch was doing quite a bit in the first session. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami were on song, so much so that it took David Warner 12 balls to get off the mark.
Australia lost Usman Khawaja early after he outside edged a lovely wobble seam delivery from Siraj. However, the experienced David Warner took responsibility from there onwards. Although he missed, edged, and was beaten throughout, he did not let India get another wicket in quick succession.
He capitalised on the loose deliveries on offer by Umesh Yadav, and smacked four boundaries in one of his overs. Some pulls, drives and edges later, he was caught behind off a loose Thakur delivery down the legside. Nevertheless, his 43 at a healthy strike rate of more than 70 laid the platform for the batters to follow.
The scariest thing to be up against in world cricket regardless of the format is a set David Warner. His focus, hand eye coordination and ability to pick up length is so utterly ridiculous that once he overcomes those early jitters he becomes a monster
Travis Head and Steven Smith put on a scintillating, unbeaten partnership of 251*
India took a wicket either side of lunch, putting them on the driver’s seat. Travis Head, who walked in at 76-3, was having none of it. In the era of Bazball, he gave us glimpses of “TravBall.”
Travis Head did justice to his reputation of being Australia’s most aggressive batsman. Before the start of the final, Head had scored over 1,200 Test runs at an average of over 52 since the beginning of 2021. He struck at about 81 during this period.
On Wednesday, he might have come out to bat during a tricky phase, but his intent and approach remained the same.
Twitter reactions to day 1 of WTC Final – Steve Smith & Travis Head were superb.
In the first 16 balls that he faced, he hit six boundaries. Australia, from 76-3, reached 113-3 in a matter of just 41 deliveries. Head gave them the momentum shift that they needed.
Australia’s number five continued to put the bad balls away, getting to a fifty in 60 deliveries and then to a well-deserved ton off just 106 deliveries. From cracking drives for fours to a cheeky cut over third man for six, the left-handed batter had it all covered in what has been an exhibition of counterattacking under pressure.
Amid all the carnage from Head who finished on 146*, Steve Smith’s brilliant knock playing the anchor role might have gone unnoticed. While Head played the aggressor, Smith held one end quite brilliantly. It took Smith 144 deliveries to get to his fifty, but then became more confident to end the day on 95*, causing the kind of hurt to India that he did in the mid-2010s.
Double century partnership between Steven Smith and Travis Head in the WTC Final against India. pic.twitter.com/YMiQU2eV7R
Head in Australia: 57 avg, 65 SR Head in India: 47 avg, 69 SR Head in England: 42 avg, 59 SR Old generation uncles want to keep test cricket "pure" and tried to insult Travis Head and Bazball despite showing results. But Head proved everyone wrong again !#WTCFinal2023pic.twitter.com/QdUvjnFB58
— The Cricket Statistician (@CricketSatire) June 7, 2023
Going to stick my head out and say Travis Head averages at least 6 times more with the bat in Test cricket when he’s rocked a moustache to when he has not #WTCFinal2023
Averaging 100+ at the WC KOs and now about to score a century at the WTC Final . Light years ahead of everyone when we talk about clutch and big match player . Easily the greatest ever . Steve Smith ? https://t.co/FtR9jKdT4k
See ball. Leave ball. See ball. Hit ball. See ball. Defend ball.
Smith & Head have put on a proper clinic on how to bat long not just doggedly but aggressively too. So much fun watching both of them plunder runs for the majority of the day. pic.twitter.com/j5wTo9l5UO
Travis Head said, "I always love batting with Steven Smith. I go under the radar because there are so many plans bowling to him. You say second fiddle, but I feel like I'm doing that to him". pic.twitter.com/RM7obgk9GF
Cricket News: Winner of WTC Final will achieve a world first in cricket | India & Australia aim to achieve world-first in cricket
Both India and Australia are in pursuit of their maiden World Test Championship Final. However, an added incentive awaits both teams.
The winner will become the first nation to win all of the major ICC titles.
India won the ODI World Cup in 2007 and 2011. Australia has emerged victorious in the tournament on five occasions, i.e. 1978, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. Both the countries have also won the ICC T20 World Cup. India won the inaugural edition in 2007 whereas Australia lifted the trophy at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2021.
Further, the two nations have also won the ICC Champions Trophy previously. India shared the trophy due to a washed out finale with Sri Lanka in 2002 before winning it again under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2013. On the other hand, Australian won the same consecutively under Ricky Ponting’s leadership in 2006 and 2009. Now, potentially winning the WTC 2021-23 presents them a unique opportunity of being the only team to have all four ICC trophies in their cabinet.
India and Australia aim to achieve world first: Their run to the WTC 2023 Final
India had come within touching distance of lifting the trophy in the WTC cycle that lasted from 2019-21. New Zealand had defeated India by eight wickets in the previous WTC final that took place in Southampton in June 2021. The Australian side was unable to qualify for the summit clash last time around.
However, they more than made up for it in this cycle by topping the league standings at the end of a hard-fought two-year-long cycle in which they underwent three tours to the subcontinent – in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India respectively.
The Baggy Greens overcame every challenge with extreme efficiency. They now have a shot at cementing their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in the country’s cricketing history with the WTC final and the impending Ashes against a rejuvenated English team lying ahead of them in the coming couple of months.
Who do you think will secure this incredible opportunity? Let us know by tweeting @cric_blog.
Cricket News: Slightly concerned about future of Test cricket – Steve Smith | Smith speaks about the future of Test cricket
Australia batsman Steve Smith recently expressed his concern regarding the longest format of the game slowly dying out because of the massively increased focus on shorter formats of the game. The 34-year old, however, added that he believes Test cricket in in safe hands as things stand, with thrilling matches over the past few years helping increase attention on the format.
“Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, yeah, for me as a, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board’s minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Smith said.
WTC important to the future of Test cricket – Smith
Talking about the ICC World Test Championship, he heaped praise on the concept. He is of the opinion that this competition gives the players something to play for in Test cricket. According to him, this concept adds more relevance to the format, and makes it interesting to watch and play.
“Oh, I mean it’s really important. I think the World Test Championship now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that’s great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it’s what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one and yeah the guys are looking forward to it,” added Smith.
Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing.
Steve Smith
Smith was also asked to draw a comparison between how similar or how different the buildup for a WTC final is in contrast to that for an ODI or T20 World Cup final. In response, he said that he has never thought of it in that way, but praised the buildup in general and the energy in the camp.
“Yeah, I’m not really sure. I haven’t thought too much about it in that aspect. It’s obviously been a good couple of years of Test cricket and to play in a final of the World Test Championship is pretty special. But yeah, I don’t know, until we sort of go out there and get started, I don’t know how it’ll feel. But it’s been a good build up the last few days. We’ve had some good days training down in Beckenham and we get to have a hit at the Oval today and tomorrow. So, we’re looking forward to that. But yeah, it should be a really good week,” the 34-year old added.
Smith later talked about how good India’s bowling attack is. He admitted that Australia will have to play their best cricket against India to have a chance at winning the WTC 2023 Final.
“I think they’ve got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, probably their two main guys who have really good skills and I think the Dukes ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl really well in all conditions. So, I think they’re a good attack and yeah, we’re going to have to play well against them this week,” Smith concluded.
The game between Australia and India begins on June 7, and the winner walks away with the WTC mace.
Cricket News: WTC Final 2023: IND & AUS key player stats in England | Which India & Australia players have the best stats at England?
The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final is just hours away. India will be looking to rectify the mistakes they made last time around in the previous cycle’s final, while Australia would be looking to win the title in their maiden WTC.
The winner will become the first team to win all ICC titles. The game is set to take place at The Oval in London. On that note, let us take a look at who the best players from India and Australia are when it comes to Tests in England.
IND vs AUS: Stats leaders in England
India
Top 3 batters in Tests in England:
By runs scored:
1) Virat Kohli- 1,033
2) Cheteshwar Pujara- 829
3) Ajinkya Rahane- 729
By batting average:
1) Rohit Sharma- 42.36
2) Virat Kohli- 33.32
3) Ravindra Jadeja- 29.70
Virat Kohli has scored over a thousand runs in Tests in England. With an average of more than 30, he is one of the only two batters in the Indian squad to average above 30 in Tests in England. However, his average of 33.32 in England is the worst for him in any country where he has played a minimum of four Tests. He has also bagged four ducks in England in red-ball cricket, the most for him in any country outside India. The former Indian captain has scored 169 runs at an average of 28.17 at The Oval in London. His highest score at the venue is 50.
WTC Final 2023: IND & AUS key player stats in England – Virat Kohli was superb in England in 2018.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been one of the pillars of the Indian batting lineup over the last decade or so, has scored 829 Test runs in England, averaging 29.61 across 30 innings. He has five half centuries and one ton in England. At The Oval, he has scored 117 runs in six innings, at an average of less than 20. His average of 19.50 at The Oval is his second worst among the seven venues he has played at in England. He averages worse only at Old Trafford (8.50).
Ajinkya Rahane, who turned 35 years old a day before the WTC Final, has scored 729 runs in England in the longest format of the game. He has the reputation of being one of India’s best overseas batsmen ever in Test cricket. Excluding Tests in England, he has scored 2,558 runs at an average of 47.4 in away tests. Although he averages more than 35 in each of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies, he has a Test average of just 26.04 in England. More importantly, he has three ducks in six innings at The Oval, and averages just 9.17 at the venue.
Rohit Sharma has the highest Test average in England among the Indian squad members. In six games, he has scored 466 runs at an average of 42.36. He does not average more than that in any other country outside India, making England his favorite country to play away Tests in. At The Oval, he has played just one game. He scored a brilliant 127 in India’s second innings, and won the Player of the Match award. He averages 69 at The Oval, and will have to lead from the front in the game against Australia.
WTC Final 2023: IND & AUS key player stats in England – Rohit Sharma has done well in England.
Ravindra Jadeja averages close to 30 with the bat in England, showing how important he is to the Indian unit. Not only is he vital with the ball due to his matchups against Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, he will also be important as a batter in the WTC Final. With no other left-handed batsmen in the mix apart from Ishan Kishan who is unlikely to get a game, Ravindra Jadeja might even be seen batting at number five. In 11 Tests in England, the all-rounder has three fifties and a century to his name. He has also scored 126 runs at an average of 42 at The Oval.
Top 3 bowlers in Tests in England:
By wickets taken-
1) Mohammed Shami- 38
2) Ravindra Jadeja- 23
3) Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj- 18
By bowling average-
1) Umesh Yadav- 23.56
2) Ravichandran Ashwin- 28.11
3) Mohammed Siraj- 33
Mohammad Shami is India’s (current squad) leading wicket taker in England. He has taken 38 wickets in 13 games, but his average of 40.53 is not impressive. Although the English conditions should help him, he has an average of 91 at The Oval. From a player of his caliber, with a seam position so good, one would have expected better numbers from the pacer. Nevertheless, he will still be the key for India in the upcoming WTC Final.
Ravindra Jadeja has taken 23 Test wickets in England, and averages 46.09. However, 11 of the 23 wickets have come at The Oval, where he averages 31.27.
The 36-year old off-spinner from Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin, has taken 18 wickets in seven Tests in England. He averages 28.11. At The Oval, he has picked up three wickets in 21.3 overs. With an average of 24 at the venue where the WTC Final is set to be held, he may get the nod over Shardul Thakur.
Mohammad Siraj has bagged 18 wickets in the five Tests he has played in England. He is one of the most aggressive natured pacers going around in India, and has taken 18 wickets at an average of 33 in England. But, to India’s misfortune, much like Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj also has a poor record at The Oval. In the only game he has played at the venue, he picked one wicket in 26 overs, and has an average of 86.
Umesh Yadav has played only two games in England, and he picked nine wickets over those two Tests. He has a bowling average of 23.56 in the country. In the only Test he has played at The Oval, he got six wickets at an average of 22.67.
Australia
Top 3 batsmen in Tests in England:
By runs scored-
1) Steven Smith- 1,727
2) David Warner- 651
3) Marnus Labuschagne- 353
By batting average-
1) Steven Smith- 59.55
2) Marnus Labuschagne- 50.43
3) Travis Head- 27.29
Steve Smith is well and truly and an all-time great in Test cricket. He averages close to 60 in his Test career, and his numbers in England are equally magnificent. In 16 Tests, he has scored 1,727 runs at an average of a whopping 59.55. Furthermore, he averages close to 100 at The Oval. In five innings at the venue, he has scored 391 runs at an average of 97.75.
The number one batter in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, Marnus Labuschagne, averages over 50 in England. He has four fifties in four games, and has scored 353 runs in the process. However, he averages only 31 at The Oval, scoring 62 runs across two innings. Among the four venues he has played at in England, his average at The Oval remains the worst.
WTC Final 2023: IND & AUS key player stats in England – Marnus Labuschagne will be key
David Warner has scored just over 650 Test runs in England. He averages a very ordinary 26.04 and has never scored a century in England. The opener has bagged seven fifties in 25 innings. At The Oval, he averages 23.80 with 119 runs in five innings.
The left-handed batter, Travis Head, averages 27.29 in England. He has scored 191 runs in eight innings, and has managed to cross the 50-run mark just once. He has played all four Tests at different venues in England, but none of them at The Oval.
Top 3 bowlers in Tests in England:
By wickets taken-
1) Nathan Lyon- 45
2) Mitchell Starc- 33
3) Pat Cummins- 29
By bowling average-
1) Pat Cummins- 19.62
2) Steven Smith- 27.38
3) Mitchell Starc- 31.27
Out of Nathan Lyon’s 482 Test wickets, 45 have come in England. He has taken more wickets only in Australia and India. In 13 games, the off-spinner has taken 45 wickets in England at an average of 31.62. He has notched nine wickets at The Oval, averaging a little less than 31. Among the eight English venues that he has played Test cricket at, he has taken more wickets only at Edgbaston.
Mitchell Starc has taken 33 wickets in nine Tests in England. He has a career bowling average of 27.52 in red-ball cricket for Australia. But, his average in England increases to 31.27, and it further worsens to 66 at The Oval. He has bagged only three wickets in two Tests at the venue.
Pat Cummins has a brilliant bowling average of 19.62 in England. He has taken a staggering 29 wickets in five games, giving away runs at an economy of only 2.70 runs per over. His battle against the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will also be entertaining to watch. He has played only one Test at The Oval, where he picked five wickets in the game, averaging 30.20.
Cricket News: WTC Final 2023: IND & AUS key player stats in England – Pat Cummins has done brilliantly in England.
Cricket News: Pat Cummins opens up on IPL & franchise leagues taking over international cricket | Pat Cummins speaks about future of cricket
Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins said that international cricket does not hold monopoly over players’ time anymore. He mentioned that the dynamics of the sport have changed ever since the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Cummins believes the 12 month-long international calendar might start looking very different in a few years.
He added that representing Australia in the international arena should remain special. The pacer asserted they still need the best players to play for the country and win big tournaments and series. However, the 30-year-old refrained from blaming players taking up lucrative deals in franchise T20 leagues.
Cummins on the IPL, franchise leagues & the future of cricket
Cummins backed out of IPL 2023, where his contract was worth Rs 7.25 crore, in order to stay fresh for the WTC final, Ashes and ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. But, that might not be the case for everyone considering Trent Boult opted out of his contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) last year to explore more opportunities of turning up in T20 leagues across the world.
“International cricket doesn’t have a monopoly on players’ time, like it did in the past”, Cummins explained. “The IPL changed that a decade ago, but there’s just going to be more and more content that creeps in, so I think we’ve got to be proactive about that.”
He added, “When you’re talking about some of the opportunities that may be provided through the franchises, I don’t think you can blame players that might take that option. I see the day where that (a franchise release) happens. I think it’s reality. You’ve seen it in other sports.”
Cummins acknowledged that going down the road, it is a possibility that players will have to seek getting released by their franchises to play international cricket. He said that there are more competing interests in world cricket currently than ever before. The aforementioned statement might be true with rumours going the rounds of IPL franchises offering mega multi-million deals to contractually sign and become primary employers to six top English cricketers.
According to a recent CricBlog fan survey on the future of cricket, 68% of respondents believe that IPL franchises could soon hold more power over international boards. It is a change that seems inevitable, so how international cricket is impacted remains to be seen.
Cricket News: 5 candidates to replace Jack Leach in the 2023 Ashes | Who will replace Jack Leach in the 2023 Ashes?
Left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who has become a key part of the England attack under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, has been ruled out of the 2023 Ashes due to a stress fracture in his back. The news comes as a blow to England who have backed Leach as both a wicket-taking and holding option in their bowling arsenal.
Now, England have a decision to make on his replacement. There is the option of playing an all-seam attack with Joe Root as the spin option, but a more experienced spinner can always deliver value in Test cricket. That being said, here are five candidates who could replace Leach for the showpiece series against Australia.
Who will replace Jack Leach for the 2023 Ashes? 5 candidates
1. Rehan Ahmed
The 2004-born leg-spinner became England’s youngest Men’s Test debutant ever in December last year, when he played his first Test against Pakistan in National Stadium, Karachi. That remains the only Test he has played so far. However, he impressed on debut, picking up seven wickets in less than 37 overs across the two innings.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s best batsmen across formats, were among his victims. He also dismissed Saud Shakeel, who averaged almost 58 that series, in both the innings.
The young prodigy impressed many with his control on his lines and lengths. He is inexperienced, but he does seem like someone who is a natural spinner. Having played just one Test in the past, it would be a huge risk to play him in the Ashes. But, knowing how Bazball works, it would not be a surprise to see the 18-year old making his Ashes debut.
2. Adil Rashid
The 35-year old is another leg-spinner who could replace Jack Leach, but with a massively contrasting amount of experience in international cricket. With 278 wickets in 220 white-ball games, he is one of England’s most successful bowlers ever in the shorter formats of the game.
He last played a Test for England in January, 2019. In a total of 19 Tests, he has picked 60 wickets. He averages close to 40 in his Test career. Last year, he said that he has not retired from Test cricket, and making a comeback is not impossible.
“I’ve not closed the door on Test cricket. I’ve not retired or anything like that. It’s something that’s still there. It’s everyone’s dream to play Test cricket and I’m no different,” said Rashid to Daily Mail.
Brendon McCullum, in his early days as the head coach of England’s Test side, had said that he would be reaching out to some of their white-ball specialists to ask regarding their availability for some Test series. The Ashes might just be the series where he looks to approach Adil Rashid following Jack Leach’s injury.
3. Moeen Ali
In September 2021, Moeen Ali announced his retirement from Test cricket, making the series against India his last ever in the longest format of the game.
In June 2022, the all-rounder expressed his desire to make a Test comeback, and said that he would be available for selection if Brendon McCullum wants him. He talked about how he was impressed with what McCullum brought to the table, and that it was hard to say no to him, owing to his persuasiveness.
After retiring and then unretiring, he again reversed his decision on his Test comeback in October last year, saying that he is 35 and Test cricket would take a toll on his body.
In his 64-Test long red-ball career for England, he took 195 wickets at an average of 36.66. His statistics with the ball against Australia, however, are largely disappointing. He has taken 20 wickets against Australia in Test cricket in 11 games, bowling 335 overs in the process. His bowling average of 64.65 against Australia is the worst for him against any opposition that he has played Test cricket against.
The numbers may not be on his side, but purely for his experience, Moeen Ali may be reached out to ahead of the Ashes.
4. Will Jacks
The 24-year old right-arm off–spinner has played only two Tests for England, both of them against Pakistan in December 2022. In two games, he took six wickets, averaging almost 39.
All of his wickets came in the same innings during the first Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi. He finished with figures of 6-161 in 40.3 overs. He did not bowl more than six overs in any innings after that.
Considering his lack of experience and ordinary statistics, he is unlikely to be called up. However, he is one of the candidates in contention for the spot.
5. Liam Dawson
The 33-year old left-arm orthodox bowler is the only one amongst the contenders with the same profile as Jack Leach.
He has played 20 games in international cricket, only three of them being Tests. He arguably provides the most control of any of the aforementioned candidates, but England under McCullum and Stokes may prefer a more attacking option.
Cricket News: India’s schedule after the WTC Final 2023 | What is Team India’s cricket schedule after the World Test Championship Final?
The Indian cricket team is set to take on Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final starting June 7 at The Oval. Post the Indian Premier League (IPL) extravaganza, the Indian team is staring at a busy international calendar ahead. India will be hosting the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup later this year and there is ample preparation for the Rohit Sharma-led side ahead of that.
Let us take a detailed look at Team India’s schedule for the remaining part of 2023 and some of the early months of 2024 as well.
Tour of West Indies – July, August 2023
India has a full-fledged tour to the Caribbean in the aftermath of the WTC final. The team is slated to play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Five T20Is might seem a bit too much just months prior to the ODI World Cup, but the roster seems to have been made up in the backdrop of the T20 World Cup that is slated to be held in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) next year, i.e. June-July 2024.
Asia Cup – September 2023
Whilst the scheduling of the Asia Cup is still under contention, regardless of those troubles, the tournament is scheduled for September 2023. 12 ODIs will be played in the tournament and it will in all likelihood provide India a good opportunity to give the final touches to their team ahead of the all-important World Cup. India could face Pakistan thrice during the course of the competition.
ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, 2023
The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will take place from October 5-November 19 this year. To be fair, India does not have a lot of ODIs to play ahead of the World Cup.
However, the series’ held against New Zealand and Sri Lanka earlier this year, coupled with the upcoming series against West Indies and then the Asia Cup should hold the Rahul Dravid-coached side in good stead for the tournament. The ODI World Cup will be a mega carnival and India will at least play nine matches in the league stages before potentially progressing to the semi-finals.
Tour of South Africa, 2023-24
Not just restricted to #INDvAUS ; rather this will go than as my top three fav test win by India.
As a kid wanted India to lift men's ODI world cup , test series win in AUS/PAK/SA
After the ODI World Cup, India will tour South Africa for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is that will occur in December 2023 and January 2024. India has not conquered the famed ‘Final Frontier’, which translates into a Test series victory in South Africa so far.
The team will be eyeing to do that before striving to do well in the limited overs’ assignments.
Cricket News: WTC Final 2023 IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Today | The Oval Pitch Report
Here we go. The highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final is upon us, and two fantastic Test sides – and archrivals – fight it out. India, two years on from heartbreak against New Zealand, are aiming to right the wrongs of that match. Australia, on the other hand, make their first appearance, and have eyes squarely on building on their incredible trophy cabinet by adding the coveted WTC mace.
But, while the mace is such an incentive in itself, neither side will want to lose to the other. There is so much history involved in the India-Australia rivalry, with recent duels going India’s away. Their performances in Australia – namely the Gabba – gives the billions of fans around the world the hope that Rohit Sharma’s team, despite the limited preparation due to the recently-concluded IPL, can prevail in English conditions.
Fewer of Australia’s players have been involved in the IPL, but they know best that India can never be written off. Time and again over the past five years, India have surprised the Australians, and Pat Cummins’ team need to be at their best. Their bowling attack, despite the absence of Josh Hazlewood, can make inroads, while David Warner at the top, along with Khawaja, will be vital in reducing the pressure on Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
Conditions can suit the Australians, but India have the players who can deliver, too. How quickly India’s players can adjust after so much white-ball cricket remains to be seen, but there is confidence with some excellent recent performances from the likes of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.
For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.
WTC Final 2023: IND vs AUS Possible Playing XIs
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with injury. Despite this, Australia look settled, with Scott Boland set to slot in. Also, the all-round seam option in Cameron Green allows for four pace options along with Nathan Lyon.
Australia: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland
There are more questions for India, particularly around their bowling attack. Dry conditions in London could tempt them to play Ravichandran Ashwin, but that will mean just the three seam options.
Also, India have a decision to make on the wicket-keeping spot between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan. This may ultimately depend on how many fast bowlers they play.
Steve Smith averages 65.06 in 18 Tests against India (1,887 runs). However, it hasn’t been as prolific for Smith since the start of 2020, averaging 38.2 in 15 innings against the Indians (458 runs). So, how he responds will be key.
Marnus Labuschagne is the third-highest run-scorer in County Championship division two. He has struck 502 runs at an average of 71.71.
Labuschagne has scored four half-centuries in seven Test innings in England. Also, against India, he averages 47.20 in nine Tests with three fifties and a century.
Usman Khawaja has scored 1,608 Test runs since the start of 2022. He averages 69.9 in this period. So, he is well placed to improve on his record in England, where he averages just 19.66 in six Tests.
Cameron Green hit a century in his last Test against India. He also had a magnificent IPL. Whether he can bring that confidence to a different format remains to be seen.
Rohit Sharma struggled in the IPL, but Rohit the red-ball batsman has been solid in recent years. Since the start of 2021, Rohit has scored 432 runs at an average of 48.00 in ten Test innings in England.
Shubman Gill is coming off an incredible IPL, and is one of a select few to score a hundred in all three formats for India. His last Test century came in his last match, against Australia at Ahmedabad.
Cheteshwar Pujara has hit 545 runs at an average of 68.12 in the County Championship this season. He is the leading run-scorer of any current player in IND-AUS Tests (2,033) at an average of 50.82.
In 15 Tests in England, Pujara averages just 29.60. If he bats long, India will benefit greatly.
Virat Kohli is crucial. He is coming off a strong IPL and averages 48.26 against Australia. This includes a drought-breaking century in his last Test against them.
Since the start of 2022, Ravindra Jadeja has scored 463 runs at an average of 51.4. In this same period, he has taken 32 wickets at an average of 19.7. How effective he will be with the ball at The Oval is crucial for India given he averages 54.4 in 11 innings in England.
Mohammed Siraj has dismissed David Warner twice for 36 runs in 70 balls in Test cricket. In England, Siraj has taken 18 wickets in nine innings at an average of 33.00. Mohammed Shami has very similar numbers with 17 scalps in nine innings at an average of 32.20.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 106, Australia 44, India 32, 29 drawn, one tie.
Australia have won just four of the last 18 Tests against India.
Pat Cummins vs Cheteshwar Pujara in Tests: 600 balls, 172 runs, seven dismissals.
David Warner’s record in England is in the spotlight. He averages 26.04.
Nathan Lyon has the most wickets in IND-AUS Tests (116). Also, he has taken nine wickets in three Tests at The Oval (avg. 30.77).
So, given the dry conditions and usually excellent batting conditions at The Oval, the captain who wins the toss will surely bat. The team batting first has won 55.6% of the matches since the start of 2013.
But, Jason Gillespie said the cooler conditions in June, along with the Duke ball, can offer assistance early for the bowlers. Last year, it was a very low scoring match between England and South Africa, and the last three first innings totals here have been just 294, 191 and 118.
WTC Final 2023 IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 7-11 June
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
WTC Final 2023 IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
WTC Final 2023 IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction
WTC Final 2023 Match Prediction – Who will win?
This promises to be a fantastic Test match. In a one-off game in England, given India’s lack of red-ball preparation, Australia hold the edge. CricBlog predicts an Australia victory.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: The Oval London weather forecast for WTC 2023 Final | Weather forecast at The Oval: Will it rain during the WTC 2023 Final?
The weather is often a hot talking point when it comes to cricket in England. The 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, eventually won by New Zealand, was affected by rain, with days one and four washed out.
With arch-rivals Australia and India doing battle for the coveted mace in 2023, millions of sets of eyes are on weather forecasts for The Oval in London. In encouraging news, the forecast looks promising for most of the Test at least after a prolonged period of dry weather in recent times.
WTC Final 2023 weather forecast: Conditions look promising at The Oval
According to metoffice.gov.uk, June 7 and 8 will be mostly sunny, with less than a 5% chance of precipitation. Friday, day three, is forecast to have a cloudy morning before clearing up, which may aid swing. Again, rain is not expected.
Saturday is expected to be the warmest of the days, with mostly sunny conditions and a top of 26 degrees. Sunday, day five, is similar. However, according to worldweatheronline, there may be some patchy rain on both days. Monday 12th June is pencilled in as the reserve day, with a chance of patchy rain as well.
So, will India pick Ravichandran Ashwin given the lack of rain expected in the first three or four days? Also, a drier surface may be on offer from day one due to the dry conditions in London recently. Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith said he expects the pitch to take turn, so it will be interesting to see which way India go.
In 2021, India played both Ashwin and Jadeja in the WTC Final. The move backfired in mostly gloomy conditions with seam and swing on offer right throughout. This time, conditions are much more promising.
Australia are more settled with regards to their bowling despite Josh Hazlewood’s absence due to injury. Cameron Green as the seam-bowling all-rounder enables them to play Nathan Lyon with confidence. For India, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat and R Ashwin are fighting it out for two spots with Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj certainties.
ALSO READ: Check out CricBlog’s coverage of the WTC Final, including:
