Xtra Time Web Desk. Team India will take on Australia in the much-anticipated World Test Championship clash at The Oval, starting on Wednesday. Over the past two editions of the WTC, India have been the most consistent side, reaching the knockout stages of major white-ball tournaments in the last decade. However, despite their success, they have not been able to secure an ICC trophy since winning the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. This match promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams boast top performers.
One of the most intriguing matches to watch out for will be between India’s star batsman Virat Kohli and Australia’s skipper and fast bowler Pat Cummins. Speaking on Star Sports, Tom Moody highlighted that Cummins presents a significant challenge to any batsman as he can force the ball away and disrupt the outside edge. His effective dismissal adds to the threat, making this a compelling match from Australia’s point of view.
India captain Rohit Sharma, looking for redemption after a disappointing performance in IPL 2023, will be up against talented Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. Moody believes that given the timing of this match in England in June, where the ball tends to favor the bowlers due to higher conditions and livelier pitches, Starc will have an advantage. Despite Rohit’s class as a world-class batsman, Moody expects Starc to come out on top in this battle.
Another crucial clash is expected between the formidable Australian batsman Steve Smith and the experienced Indian pacer Mohammed Shami. Smith, known for his prowess in the longest format, will face the challenge of Shami’s swing bowling in England, particularly in early June. Moody expects Shami to relish the chance to get Smith out early, but admits that if Smith ends up at number four, the Australians will hope that Shami has bowled a few overs by then.
In summary, the India vs Australia World Test Championship clash is set to play out an exciting battle between some of the best performers in the game. The clashes between Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith and Mohammed Shami are particularly enticing and fans can look forward to an intense contest at The Oval.