Australia finished at the top of the points table of the World Test Championship (WTC) and will be facing India in the finals. The much-awaited and high-octane clash will be taking place at The Oval in England is scheduled to begin from 7th June 2023.
The Pat Cummins led side had lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India in March 2023 and would need to punch above their weight if they are to beat India. Several players need to step up and produce some resounding performances against a solid Indian side.
Australia have a perfect chance to seek revenge against India in the upcoming finals of the World Test Championship (WTC).
In this article, we take a look at the possible playing XI of Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC):
Openers: Usman Khawaja and David Warner
Two solid southpaws at the top, both Usman Khawaja and David Warner will be crucial to Australia’s plans in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC). Khawaja finished as the leading run-scorer of Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 and will be a key player.
David Warner on the other hand, finished as the leading run-scorer of Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Middle-order: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange and Travis Head
Probably the strongest area for Australia would be there middle-order. The likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange and Travis Head are all class batters and bat with substance and skill.
Marnus Labuschange and Steve Smith are the backbone of the Australian batting department in the longest format of the game. Travis Head averages a stellar 47.15 when he bats at number 5 and this is a position that can be best suited for him.
In case there is a batting collapse, Travis Head can anchor the innings. Head is a naturally aggressive player and will be a player to watch out for in the World Test Championship finals at The Oval.
Lower middle-order: Alex Carey, Cameron Green
The lower middle-order of Australia can comprise of wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey and young and dynamic all-rounder Cameron Green. Green provides a lot of balance to the Australian team and his bowling will be crucial in the swing friendly conditions of England.
Alex Carey is a good wicket-keeper batter and promises to deliver the goods for Australia in this important game.
Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Patt Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
Similar to India’s probable playing XI for the World Test Championship finals, we feel Australia will go with 3 out-an-out pacers along with 1 spinner. Skipper Pat Cummins will be leading the pace attack for Australia.
Mitchell Starc has previously acted as a nemesis for Indian batters and his contribution will be quite crucial. In 77 Test matches, Starc has bagged 306 wickets and he is one of the finest bowlers of Australia.
Josh Hazlewood is back from his injury and he will be a vital cog in the wheels of the Australian cricket team.
Also read: WTC 2023: Decoding India’s Playing XI
