This WTC 2023 final started on a very competitive note on the very first day but the game slipped away from the grasp of India on the very first day of the play, more specifically in the second and third sessions of the day where the bowlers lacked enthusiasm to give Australian batsman any challenge. lets see how The Ultimate Test rolled out!
Cricket fans around the world were treated to an unparalleled spectacle as the highly anticipated 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final took place. The two best teams in the world battled it out for the ultimate victory in the game's longest format, engaging in a riveting rivalry that left fans spellbound. In this blog, we will be looking at the highlights and highlights of the epic clash between the two cricketing giants.
The Indian team won the toss to start of the proceedings and went on with the 4 pace attack which includes Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, the bowling attack also includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner which became quite debatable decision to exclude the number 1 test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin.
The thinking process of the team was right because the 4 pace attack under a cloud cover on day 1 of the test could have proved to be a very formidable one and more importantly this pace attack was very threatening against the England cricket team when India last visited Oval. The only difference was the unavailability of Jasprit Bumrah, who was available last time when india played here.
The Australian side was tough to handle for the Indian conglomerates because all their players were right at the top and their was only one player who was in top 10 ICC test rankings for india was not even playing. For Australia all the bases were covered with 4 pace attack that includes Starc, Cummins, Boland and Green and with a formidable spinner in Nathan Lyon.
The biggest strength of the Australian side was their formidable batting lineup, their accuracy in bowling, their unprecedented familiarity with the English conditions and keeping up the reputation of them being an unstoppable force in ICC events.
It wasn't the case that India didn't have the moments of winning the game but the game went to far from their grasp on the very first day's second and third session with the centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head but they foughtback on Day 2 and major contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja to give them some chance to win.
But after day 3 one thing was clear that we can delay the inevitable but not lose that hope to fight against the uphill task of chasing down 443 runs, and india did start of positively but they were not able to capatalise on the longevity of the game and the team faltered despite the contributions from Rohit, Virat and Rahane.
The Indian team lose yet another ICC trophy that's one point of view but have ruled this trophy for 5 years straight that's another point of view, the team did fought well but didn't got that desired result, but that will not stop them from chasing the ultimate glory!