Today’s the beginning of the final match of ICC WTC 2023 i.e. Australia vs India (AUS vs IND) which is scheduled to be played from 7-11 June, 2023 at The Oval Cricket ground, London. The weather is expected to be clear on day one. For Australian side, it’s their first time entry to WTC Final whereas for Indian side, it’s their second time consecutively.
AUS vs IND : Match Preview
Talking about Australia, the team currently ranks 2nd in the ICC Test Rankings with 116 points. During 2021-23, the Aussies have played a total of 19 test matches, out of which, they registered wins in 11 matches, lost only 3 and no results 5 matches, thereby completing their journey as the leader of WTC 2023 points table.
Here’s how team Australia performed since last WTC final:
| Year | Teams | Venue | Matches | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Aus vs Eng | Aus | 5 | 4-0 (1-NR) |
| 2022 | Aus vs Pak | Pak | 3 | 1-0 (2-NR) |
| 2022 | Aus vs SL | SL | 2 | 1-1 |
| 2022 | Aus vs WI | Aus | 2 | 2-0 |
| 2022-23 | Aus vs SA | Aus | 3 | 2-0 (1-NR) |
| 2023 | Aus vs Ind | Ind | 4 | 2-1 (1-NR) |
Coming to the Aussies’ performance during the 2021-23 cycle, the team has made a strong come back this time as compared to the previous one where they ended up third. On one side, a fierce batting line up including Usman Khwaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne & Travis Head, all of whom have scored more than 1200 runs during 2021-23, has led Australian side in accumulating big totals against their opponents.
On the other side, sharp bowling attacks from Nathan Lyons, Pat Cummins, Michell Starc, all of whom scalped more than 50 wickets, torn apart the batting attack of the opponents to ensure Kangroos’ entry to WTC final for the first time.
Talking about Team India, currently they rank 1st in ICC Test Rankings with 121 points. During 2021-23, Indian team played a total of 18 matches, out of which, they managed to win 10 matches, lost 5 and only 3 ended with no results. This led India to end up second in the WTC 2023 charts.
Here’s how team India performed since last WTC final:
| Year | Teams | Venue | Matches | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ind vs Eng | Eng | 5 | 2-2 (1-NR) |
| 2021 | Ind vs NZ | Ind | 2 | 1-0 (1-NR) |
| 2021 | Ind vs SA | SA | 3 | 1-2 |
| 2022 | Ind vs SL | Ind | 2 | 2-0 |
| 2022 | Ind vs Ban | Ban | 2 | 2-0 |
| 2023 | Ind vs Aus | Ind | 4 | 2-1 (1-NR) |
Being the world’s number one side, team India repeated its marvellous performance during this cycle as well, though remained short of just one win as compared to Aussies. With Cheteshwar Pujara, former skipper Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (not available for WTC final) scoring more than 800 runs each, the Indian batting line seems reliable.
The bowling front has been led by Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja who dismantled the opponents’ batting line ups with their consistent line & length.
AUS vs IND : Match Details
Venue: The Oval, Kennington, London
Date: 7th (Wed) – 11th (Sun) June, 2023, Reserve Day (June 12)
Time: 10.30 AM (London), 3.00 PM (India)
Watch Live Telecast on:
- Fox Sports (Australia)
- Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar App (India)
- Sky Sports Cricket (UK)
- Willow (USA & Canada)
- Sky Sports (New Zealand)
- Supersport (South Africa)
- Star Sports 1 (Sri Lanka & Nepal)
- Yupp TV (Pakistan)
- Gazi TV (Bangladesh)
- RTA Sport (Afghanistan)
AUS vs IND : Pitch Report
The pitch at The Oval is favourable for both batters and bowlers. For seamers, the pitch is gonna provide a good bounce. However, during the last two days, spinners will get more help from the pitch as it will get drier which will make it difficult for batters to put runs on the board.
Weather will play a key role at this venue as thunderstorm and showers are expected on 4th & 5th day of the match which will support seamers in swing. So, the game might be extended to the reserve day.
As the match progresses, the pitch will get slower and scoring runs will become difficult. So, the team winning the toss should bat first.
AUS vs IND : Records at The Oval
A total of 104 Test matches have been played at this historic ground, out of which, the team batting first has won 38 matches whereas the team bowling first has won 29 matches.
Here’s how both the teams have performed at the Oval in the past:
Australia (AUS)
| Venue | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win % | Loss % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oval | 38 | 7 | 17 | 14 | 18.42 | 44.73 |
India (IND)
| Venue | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win % | Loss % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oval | 14 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 14.28 | 35.71 |
AUS vs IND : Head To Head (2021-23)
During the period of 2021-23, both teams have locked horns 4 times in Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Out of the four games, team India recorded a splendid win against Australia by 2-1 (one match with no result).
AUS vs IND : Head To Head (All Time)
A total of 106 Test matches have been played in AUS vs IND test history, out of which Australia won 44 matches whereas India won 32 while 29 matches were drawn and 1 tied.
AUS vs IND : Squads
Australia (AUS)
- Marcus Harris
- Travis Head
- Usman Khawaja
- Steven Smith
- David Warner
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Michael Neser
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Scott Boland
- Nathan Lyon
- Todd Murphy
- Mitchell Starc
India (IND)
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Virat Kohli
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Shubman Gill
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- KS Bharat (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Shardul Thakur
- Mohammad Shami
- Mohammad Siraj
- Jaydev Unadakt
- Umesh Yadav
AUS vs IND : Best Performers’ Prediction
Batters
Usman Khwaja (AUS)
The top-notch Aussie batter is the second highest scorer in WTC 2021-23 cycle with 1608 runs in 28 innings. Khwaja remained at his best throughout this cycle while having an average of 69.91 in 16 Test matches. During his campaign, he smashed 6 tons and 7 fifties with his best score of 195* against South Africa.
Bowlers
Nathan Lyons (AUS)
The ace spinner has been the top-wicket taker during WTC 2021-23 cycle with 83 wickets in 19 Test matches at an bowling average of 26.97 & economy rate of 2.97. In 32 innings, Lyons wrecked havon upon the opponents with 5 Five-wicket hauls and 1 Ten-wicket haul, the best one being 8/64 against India.
AUS vs IND : WTC 2023 Match Winner Prediction
Both the teams have advantages over each other which makes it really difficult to predict who’s gonna win this thriller match. So, let’s list them out:
Australia (AUS)
- Topped the WTC 2023 Point table with 11 wins
- Four batters among top 10 highest scorers in WTC 2023
- Three bowlers among top 10 highest wicket takers in WTC 2023
- Have played 38 matches at the Oval, therefore, more experienced side in respect of playing conditions
India (IND)
- The only team to qualify for WTC Final for the second time
- Currently ranked 1st in ICC Test rankings
- Defeated the Aussies in Border-Gavaskar test series by 2-1 this year
Considering the above facts, the competition is gonna be really tough and India is most likely to win this match.
AUS vs IND : FAQs
Who will win WTC 2023 Final if the match ends up in a draw or a tie?
If WTC 2023 Final match ends up in a draw or a tie, then both Australia and India will share the WTC 2023 Title.
In case, the match is delayed due to bad weather conditions, then is there any reserve day?
Yes, there is a reserve day scheduled for 12th June 2023 (Monday) to continue the match in case it is delayed due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Which ball will be used to play the final match of WTC 2023?
Dukes ball (Grade-1), a hand crafted red cricket ball which is used in high-level matches, will be used to play WTC 2023 Final match.
How many Test matches have been played at the Oval between Australia & India?
It’s the first time AUS vs IND Test match is being hosted at the Oval.