The much-anticipated World Test Championship between India and Australia begins on Wednesday at The Oval. Over the last two WTC cycles, India has been the most consistent side, reaching the final stages of major white-ball tournaments, but an ICC title has eluded them. India last won a major ICC title in 2013, when it won the Champions title in England. It will be a fascinating confrontation because both sides have elite talents, making this a thrilling battle.
Three players battle to keep an eye out:
The first and most exciting fight will be between India’s top batsman Virat Kohli and Australia’s skipper and bowler Pat Cummins. “Cummins is a handful for any batter in any condition, and he, like all the bowlers, is going to relish the conditions, and that’s a really good matchup from Australia’s perspective.” “Pat Cummins vs Virat Kohli because he can get the ball away from Kohli and challenge the outside edge, and he also has that really good off-cutter that he has used effectively, particularly in England,” said Tom Moody on Star Sports.
Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc:After a dismal run in the IPL 2023, India skipper Rohit Sharma will aim for revenge against Australia’s standout pacer Mitchell Starc. “We know the class and what a world class batter Rohit Sharma is,” said Tom Moody. “But I think the timing of this particular match in England in June, where the ball tends to get some assistance with overhead conditions and the pitch is a bit livelier than the end of the summer, where the bowlers will have an edge over the batters, so I think in this case Starc will win the battle.”
Australia’s best batter, Steve Smith, takes against Mohammed Shami. Steve Smith is without a doubt one of the most dangerous batters in the longest format. He’ll come up against seasoned India pacer Mohammed Shami in a crucial match. “Shami will enjoy bowling in England, especially in early June, when he gets good swing.” “Shami will relish the opportunity to dismiss Smith early, but with Smith coming in at four, the Australians will hope that Shami has a few overs under his belt by then,” observed Tom Moody.
