WTC final: 5 Australians to watch out for
Australia are arguably one of the most successful teams in the history of cricket. They have won five ODI World Cups and one T20I World Cup but a world trophy in Test cricket is still awaited. Thus, the Pat Cummins-led side will be giving their all in the upcoming World Test Championship finale, which begins today on June 7 at the Oval.
Ahead of that, most of the Aussie cricketers got much-needed rest ahead. Players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon didn’t play a single match in the last two months and thus, will be fresh ahead of taking on India. Regarding the batters, Steve Smith and Marcus Labuschagne played a couple of county matches and thus, will be ready to take on India. Meanwhile, which are the five Australian cricketers who can make a difference in the WTC final? Let’s dissect –
5. Cameron Green
The Young Australia international Cameron Green had a decent season in the Indian Premier League and will be hoping to get the job done for the national side in the WTC final. He has been fantastic in red-ball cricket so far and the English condition will also suit his bowling and even with the bat, the 23-year-old can make a difference. He has played 20 Test matches so far, scoring 941 runs and picking up 23 wickets.
4. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins will be one of the biggest threats to India in the WTC final. He has been extremely successful in red-ball cricket in the recent past and will once again back himself to get the job done. However, it needs to be seen how he uses his troops in England as the cricketer has faced some criticisms regarding his captaincy in the recent past.
3. Steven Smith
One of the modern-day greats, Steven Smith has always bothered India in the longest format of the game. However, his recent form is a matter of concern at the moment. He has scored 122 runs in three matches in the County Division II and that’s a worrying sign. Despite this, he will back himself to get the job done against India, being one of the most reliable players of the generation.
2. Mitchell Starc
The ace pacer has rattled India’s batting unit multiple times in the past. In the final, his strategy would be the same and thus, the Indian cricketers will be under pressure when Starc comes to bowl. Notably, the 33-year-old has played 17 Test matches against India, picking up 44 wickets.
1. Marnus Labuschagne
The number-one ranked Test batter in the world, Marnus Labuschagne is in terrific form at the moment. In five matches in the County Championship Division II, the Australia international has scored 502 runs and is the third-highest scorer in the tournament. He also has a good record against India and thus, will be ready to get the job done in the WTC finals.
