All You Need to Know about WTC Final 2023
The World Test Championship (WTC) final, often referred to as the pinnacle of Test cricket, is set to take place between India and Australia. This highly anticipated match will determine the champion of the 2021-2023 WTC cycle. In this article, we will delve into the details of the final, including its significance, the teams’ journey to the final, the venue, the ball used, and much more.
What is the WTC Final?
The WTC final is the ultimate showdown in Test cricket, comparable to the World Cup final in limited-overs cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the World Test Championship in 2019 as a two-year league competition involving nine top-ranked teams. The two highest-ranked teams at the end of the cycle qualify for the final, where they battle it out to claim the prestigious Test mace and the title of World Test Champions.
The Last Champions
In the inaugural edition of the WTC final held in 2021, New Zealand emerged victorious by defeating India. The final, hosted in Southampton, marked a historic moment for both teams. New Zealand showcased their resilience and skill to clinch the title, while India fell short of their aspirations. Now, India seeks redemption and aims to secure the Test mace after missing out in the previous edition.
The Dukes Ball: A Unique Challenge
The WTC final will be played with the Dukes ball, known for its swing and seam movement, commonly used in England, Ireland, and the West Indies. The Dukes ball poses a unique challenge for batsmen and offers opportunities for swing bowlers to exploit the conditions. Both teams will need to adapt their strategies accordingly to overcome the challenges posed by this ball.
The Venue: The Oval Hosts its First June Test
Unlike traditional venues like Lord’s, the WTC final will take place at The Oval in London. The decision to host the final at The Oval was influenced by the ICC’s desire for a neutral venue in terms of sponsorship agreements. The Covid-19 pandemic had also disrupted the original plan to hold the 2019-2021 WTC final at Lord’s, leading to its relocation to Southampton. Interestingly, The Oval will be hosting a Test match in June for the first time, as historically, Test matches there have commenced in July.
The Reserve Day: A Provision for Unfavorable Weather
To account for potential weather interruptions, the WTC final includes a reserve day. This day will be utilized only if play is lost due to adverse weather conditions during the five regular days of the match, and a result has not been achieved by the end of day five. The previous edition of the WTC final in 2019 witnessed the reserve day coming into action due to rain on the first day of the match.
Weather Forecast: Sunny Skies with a Chance of Rain
According to the weather forecast, London is expected to have predominantly sunny weather during the first three days and the fifth day of the WTC final. However, there are chances of scattered showers on the fourth day in the afternoon. The reserve day, if required, is also anticipated to have clear weather conditions.
Team News: Some Key Players Unavailable
Both India and Australia will face the final without some of their key players. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, who suffered side soreness during the IPL, has been replaced by Michael Neser in the squad. India, on the other hand, will miss the services of Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. The absence of these players will undoubtedly have an impact on the teams’ strategies and dynamics.
Preparation for the Final: Training and County Stints
India prepared for the final by training at Arundel in Sussex for a week before shifting to London for the final phase of their preparations. While most of the Indian contingent arrived in England in batches following the IPL, Cheteshwar Pujara, who was not a part of the IPL, gained valuable match practice by representing Sussex in the County Championship.
The Australian team, too, began their preparations as a unit after the conclusion of the IPL. Several Australian players, including Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Michael Neser, honed their skills by playing county cricket. Interestingly, Smith and Pujara were teammates at Sussex this year. Australia trained for three days in Beckenham before moving to London, aiming to fine-tune their game for the crucial final.
The Stakes: Test Mace and Prizes
The winner of the WTC final will not only claim the prestigious Test mace but will also receive a prize of $1.6 million. The runners-up will be awarded $800,000 as recognition of their efforts. These substantial rewards add to the significance of the final and provide extra motivation for both teams to perform at their best.
The build-up to the final has been intense, with both teams doing their utmost to prepare for the big event. The Australian team have been focusing on their batting, while the Indian team have been working on their bowling and fielding. Both teams have been extensively studying their opponents’ weaknesses and strengths. All these efforts are expected to culminate in a thrilling finale for the much-awaited World Test Championship.
