ICC WTC final, AUS vs IND Preview: Under-prepared India up against formidable Australia in bid for first WTC title

ICC WTC final, AUS vs IND Preview: Both teams have an opportunity to become first team to win all the ICC trophies.

India and Australia are set to face off in the highly anticipated final of the WTC 2023, scheduled to begin on June 7 at The Oval in London.

Australia has emerged as the top-ranked team in the WTC 2021-23 cycle, securing their place in the final with an impressive 66.67 points percentage (PCT) from 19 matches. Following closely behind is India, occupying the second position with a PCT of 58.8 in 18 matches.

For India, this will be their second appearance in the WTC final, this time led by Rohit Sharma. On the other hand, Pat Cummins will captain Australia in their maiden final of the Test championship.

Earlier this year, the two teams clashed in a thrilling four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where India emerged victorious with a 2-1 win on home soil. This victory sealed their spot in the final, setting the stage for another exciting encounter against Australia.

AUS vs IND: Pitch Report

The Kennington Oval pitch for Test matches presents an intriguing blend of pace, bounce, and carry, promising an enthralling contest for both batsmen and bowlers. At the outset, the pitch extends support to fast bowlers, granting them movement off the surface and through the air. As the match unfolds, the pitch gradually settles down, becoming more favorable for batting. It offers even bounce, enabling batsmen to play their shots with confidence, while also rewarding their astute shot selection and impeccable timing.

AUS vs IND: Team News

The Indian team has been significantly hampered by injury woes, with several players being ruled out of contention for the Final due to their physical setbacks. Notable absences include Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, who have all been sidelined from the Indian squad as a result of their individual injuries.

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KS Bharat (wk), Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan (wk), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadakt, Mohammad Siraj, Umesh Yadav.

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav

In terms of injuries, Josh Hazlewood who was in the squad, has been ruled out of the WTC Final. Michael Neser replaces him in Australia’s squad.

Cameron Green experienced a blow to his arm during his time with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023, but his condition appears to be satisfactory at the moment. As a precautionary measure, Cricket Australia has included Mitchell Marsh as a cover for Cameron Green.

Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Scott Boland, Travis Head, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Michael Neser.

Reserves: Matt Renshaw, Mitch Marsh

AUS vs IND: Head To Head

Matches – 106

Australia – 44

India – 32

Draws – 29

Tie – 1

AUS vs IND: Players to watch out for:

Australia: Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne has successfully taken up the mantle as Australia's number 3, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Steve Smith, who now occupies the number 4 position. Labuschagne showcased his exceptional skills while representing Glamorgan in the County Championship, registering two centuries and two half-centuries in just eight innings. With the Indian bowling attack posing a formidable challenge, Labuschagne's contributions will be vital for Australia's success in the upcoming match.

India: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has undoubtedly sparked immense excitement among Indian fans. His outstanding performance in the IPL 2023, where he amassed an impressive total of 890 runs in 17 matches, has elevated expectations. Gill not only secured the prestigious Orange Cap award but also smashed three centuries during the tournament. Although the format differs, his demonstrated ability to chase significant scores bodes well for his prospects against the formidable Australian pace attack. In the upcoming match, Gill is set to open the innings alongside captain Rohit Sharma.

AUS vs IND: Probable Playing XIs 

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cam Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland

India Predicted Playing XI:

Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj

AUS vs IND: Match facts:

Pat Cummins will be playing his 50th match in Test Cricket.

Cameron Green requires 59 more runs to reach 1000 runs in Test Cricket.

Rohit Sharma will be playing his 50th match in Test Cricket.

Shubman Gill needs 110 more runs to reach 1000 runs in Test Cricket.

Mohammed Siraj needs 3 more wickets to reach 50 wickets in Test Cricket.

Ajinkya Rahane requires 69 more runs to reach 5000 runs in Test Cricket.

AUS vs IND: Live Broadcasting

INDIA: Star Sports Network (TV) | Disney + Hotstar (Live Streaming)

UK: SKY Sports Cricket

AUSTRALIA: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports