The final of the well-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 is now just a hand distance away to begin. The finalist of the 2021 edition, India are ready to take on the top side of the ICC Test rankings, Australia. The two compelling sides of the cricketing world will meet each other at the Oval in London from June 7.
June 12 has been slated as the reserve day amid the rain forecast.
The ICC announced the list of English commentators for the upcoming WTC 2023 final last week. The former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik made it to the list of commentators. The crowd favourite and commonly known as “Weatherman” among the masses, Karthik has now shared some inside pictures related to the Oval pitch on which the summit class will be played. The pics reveal it to be a lush green top with plenty of grass on the wicket for the pacers.
“Two days to go for the #WTCfinal and this is how the pitch looks like” And add, “What is your playing XI gonna be? ” Karthik captioned his Twitter post.
Two days to go for the #WTCFinal and this is how the pitch looks like 🔎
What is your playing XI gonna be? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/wLyYHr4vcy
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 5, 2023
If the pitch remains successful in holding its posture till the kickoff day, then the chances of India going on with the extra pace option are sky-high. And that means only one spinner can make it to their playing eleven. Either Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin has to sit on the bench.
It is worth mentioning that Jadeja has proved his mettle in the last few years with the bat. He has cemented his place in the team almost as an all-rounder. At the same time, Ashwin has struggled to replicate his performances with both bat and ball away from home, thus making it easier for Jadeja to hold his place in the side. However, the real competitor for the Chennai-born cricketer will be Shardul Thakur.
In the last three years, Thakur has been part of almost all the overseas success that Team India tasted. The all-rounder from Maharashtra has shown his worth with bat and ball and justified his selection whenever he got a chance. Thakur had played a couple of handy knocks with a bat in the same Oval venue against England when India visited here last time in 2021.
Furthermore, the weather in London is expected to play a significant role in the pitch’s behaviour. If the conditions stay dry, it could lead to the pitch breaking up and becoming more conducive to spin. Conversely, if there’s moisture in the air, it could assist the seam bowlers.
