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ICC World Test Championship Final 2023: Everything from Squad to Schedule & Venue
With the commencement of the second ICC World Test Championship Final just around the corner, lets take a closer look at the captivating outfits that will adorn the players from India and Australia for this monumental showdown.
Australia
In their inaugural appearance in the World Test Championship Final, Australia has unveiled a brand new kit, inspired by their current white ball attire worn in ICC global tournaments. With sleek yellow accents adorning the sides and collar, the team name font resonates with the ones seen in recent T20 World Cups and Cricket World Cups.
Pat Cummins side aspires to add the World Test Championship mace to their collection of men global trophies.
India
Eager to surpass their performance in the 2021 WTC Final, India dons a revamped white ensemble as they prepare to take on Australia. Embracing a fresh kit sponsorship from Adidas, the collar colour trim exudes a lighter shade of blue compared to the shirt worn two years ago. The team name colour beneath perfectly complements this hue.
Notably, the players Test cap number is displayed beneath the India logo in the customary fashion. While Adidas kits across white-ball cricket and various sports feature the iconic three stripes along the sleeves, the Test shirt opts for a more understated approach, with the logo proudly emblazoned on the right sleeve.
Official Squads for the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final
The squads for the eagerly awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final, scheduled to be held at The Oval from 7th to 11th June, have been officially announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
As the stipulated support period commences today, any alterations to the squads can only be made with the approval of the Event Technical Committee.
Dubbed as the "Ultimate Test," the WTC Final has designated 12th June as a reserve day to compensate for any potential loss of play during the scheduled five days.
This edition marks the second installment of the WTC, introduced in 2019 to infuse meaning into the longest format of the game. In the inaugural edition, New Zealand emerged victorious, defeating India by eight wickets in the final held in Southampton.
The winners of the WTC Final will be awarded a grand prize of $1.6 million, while the runners-up will receive $800,000 as a consolation.
The Squads:
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Josh Inglis, Todd Murphy, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marcus Harris, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith.
Reserves: Matt Renshaw, Mitch Marsh
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, KS Bharat, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jaydev Unadakt, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami.
Reserves: Suryakumar Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Opening Partnership:
The opening slot alongside Rohit Sharma remains up for grabs, with the possibility of Shubman Gill joining the captain at the top. If Gill moves up, Ajinkya Rahane is likely to shift to the middle order, resulting in KL Rahul sitting out.
Gill recent century against Australia in Ahmedabad highlights his current form, and his adaptability across different batting scenarios adds to his appeal.
Middle Order Lineup:
In the middle order, the usual order will see Virat Kohli taking charge at number three, followed by Cheteshwar Pujara at number four and Ajinkya Rahane at number five. The fifth position presents a choice between KS Bharat and KL Rahul.
While Captain Rahul may enjoy a preference due to his previous performances and experience, KS Bharat might be given an opportunity considering his current form.
Spin Bowling Options:
Given the anticipated spin-friendly conditions expected to emerge as early as day two, a potent spin attack becomes crucial. The first-choice spinner would be Ravindra Jadeja, who also adds depth to the batting lineup. As for the second spin bowling option, the captain will need to decide between Ashwin and Axar Patel, weighing their respective strengths and strategies.
Pace Bowling Arsenal:
The pace bowlers will play a pivotal role in exploiting the bounce and swing offered by the Oval. The presence of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami is a testament to their excellent fitness and ability to generate varying pace. The captain final pace option is Shardul Thakur, known for his ability to take crucial wickets.
Schedule, Venue & Playing XI:
The highly anticipated second World Test Championship is scheduled to take place from June 7th to June 11th, 2023. The clash between Australia and India will unfold at the iconic Oval in London, England.
Venue for WTC 2023 Final:
The Oval in England has been chosen as the venue for the 2023 WTC Championship Final. With its rich history, this South London location has hosted over 100 Test matches.
Location of WTC 2023 Final:
The WTC 2023 Final will take place at The Oval, situated in Kennington, London. The stadium is renowned for hosting prestigious cricket events.
Establishment: 1845
Capacity: 27,500
Owner: Duchy of Cornwall
Operator: Surrey County Cricket Club
