Will the weather hold up? Here is all the information you need about the main event’s final between India and Australia.
What’s the WTC verdict? Is it a significant issue?
The WTC final is the World Cup final for Test cricket. The ICC has given a trophy to the team that has won the rankings every year since 2002, but starting in 2019, they started the World Test Championship (WTC), in which nine nations participate in a league over two-year cycles. In the end, the final features the top two teams.
The previous winner is?
The inaugural final was place in Southampton in 2021. After defeating India, New Zealand was declared the tournament’s first winner.
How did Australia and India arrive this time?
The WTC’s 2021–23 season began in August 2021 with an India tour of England. India had a 2-1 series advantage, but the fifth game was pushed out to 2022 when England won, and the series was tied 2-2. Between those two matches, India defeated New Zealand 1-0 at home before losing 2-1 at South Africa. Additionally, Rohit Sharma took over as their Test captain after this series, replacing Virat Kohli. India.
Then, in preparation for the fifth Test against England, India blanked Sri Lanka 2-0 at home. They travelled to Bangladesh for their subsequent Test series, which they won 2-0. When they met Australia at home in their final series of the WTC cycle, they were still unsure of qualifying. However, a 2-1 series victory and successful outcomes from Sri Lanka’s trip to New Zealand ensured they would finish in second position.
Australia, however, had won the Ashes 4-0 at home to kick up their WTC campaign. After drawing the first two games in a three-Test tour to Pakistan, Australia won the decisive match in Lahore. Australia then seized the series lead in Sri Lanka, but the home team won the second Test, resulting in a tie.
That came after a second strong summer at home, which began with a 2-0 victory over the West Indies and a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a three-Test series. When Australia travelled to India, they still hadn’t guaranteed their place in the WTC final, but their one victory on the trip—in Indore—and the draw in Ahmedabad were enough to get them in.
Which ball will they use in the championship game?
The Dukes ball, predominantly used in England, Ireland, and the West Indies, will be utilised for the championship.
If the Test is drawn or tied, what happens?
In such a case, Australia and India will split the World Team Championship trophy for the 2021–23 cycle.
Which ball will they use in the championship game?
The Dukes ball, predominantly used in England, Ireland, and the West Indies, will be utilised for the championship.
If the Test is drawn or tied, what happens?
In such a case, AUS and IND will split the World Team Championship trophy for the 2021–23 cycle.
What will happen on the sixth day?
There will be a reserve day for the WTC final. However, it will only be utilised if there have been five days of regular play missed due to inclement weather, they cannot make up for it in those five days, and no decision has been made by the end of day five. The first day of the 2019–21 WTC final was rained out, and the match finally moved onto the reserve day.
What does the weather look like?
The first three days and the fifth day of the World Trade Centre final are both anticipated to be predominantly bright in London. However, sporadic rain showers are predicted during the afternoon on day four. Should it be necessary, the backup day is likewise anticipated to have clear skies.
Are all players on the teams present?
Sadly, neither team can say that they are at full strength. Three days before the big game, Michael Neser was drafted into Australia’s squad to replace Josh Hazlewood, who had side pain during the IPL. Meanwhile, important players for India like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer won’t be available.
How did India and Australia get ready for the championship game?
Before travelling to London for the last four days of preparation, India trained at Arundel in Sussex for about a week. Cheteshwar Pujara, who did not have an IPL contract this year, has been playing for Sussex in the County Championship, even though most of their contingent came to England in waves following the IPL.
The Australian squad started collective preparations when new players joined them after the IPL. Some of its athletes, like Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Neser, also participated in county cricket as red-ball training. Smith and Pujara played on the same squad at Sussex this year. Before travelling to London, Australia trained at Beckenham for three days.
What goal are they pursuing?
In addition to receiving the Test mace, the champions will receive a $1.6 million reward. The losers will receive $800,000 as their prize.
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