By Naveen Singh

The World Test Championship (WTC) is the ultimate battle of cricket’s traditional format, Test cricket. Launched on August 1, 2019, the championship aims to showcase the best version of Test cricket, which has faced declining interest and relevance in recent times.

The inaugural edition of the WTC lasted for two years, from 2019 to 2021, and saw nine Test-playing nations compete in a series of bilateral Test series. The championship was won by New Zealand, which defeated India in the finals held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England.

The second edition of the WTC started in 2021 and now the 2023 World Test Championship final will be played between India and Australia at the iconic Kia Oval Ground in London, England.

India and Australia are considered as two of the strongest cricket teams in the world and their clashes on the field is something that is always highly anticipated.

Australia is currently second in the test rankings, while India holds the first position. The India Vs Australia WTC Final will also be a chance for some of the world’s best cricketers to flaunt their skills.

Apart from current Indian team captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and his predecessor Steve Smith, looking at the recent performances Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill and David Warner are expected to be the key players in the finals for their respective teams.

One of the key factors in the success of both teams will depend on their ability to adapt to the conditions of England. However, both teams have proven their ability to win in challenging conditions so far and now it will be interesting to see how they perform against each other.

Overall, India vs Australia World Test Championship Final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most talented and competitive cricket teams in the world. The fans can expect to witness some epic battles on the field as each team seeks to prove its dominance and win the final of the World Test Championship 2023.

Months ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup, tensions have already started between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).  

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice are in Lahore, Pakistan to get assurance from the PCC on Pakistan team’s participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup due to be held in October-November.

The ICC seek a confirmation from the PCB that it will not push for implementing a hybrid model for its matches in the World Cup in India.

The development comes after PCB Chief Najam Sethi stated that the Pakistan Cricket team will not travel to India if the Indian team prevents itself from visiting Pakistan for the preceding Asia Cup.

The BCCI is concerned if the hybrid model proposed by the PCB chief is accepted for the Asia Cup, the PCB might also ask the ICC to implement the hybrid model for the ICC World Cup as well.

Sethi said if the Pakistan government doesn’t approve on sending the team to India, the PCB would seek ICC to hold the matches at a neutral venue.

If this situation arrives, it would be a big setback for the both the ICC and the BCCI as India vs Pakistan match happening in India witnesses a completely packed stadium, a successful match for the Indian cricket board and International cricket council economically, whereas if it would be held in any other country it would not be able to attract a large amount of crowd in the stadium, primary reason why BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was reluctant to accept the hybrid model for the Asia Cup.

The PCB Chief has also stated that if the Asia Cup is moved to a neutral country from Pakistan, then the Pakistan Team will not participate in the Asia Cup

The ICC is trying to bring the two nations into board together on the matter.

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya was at a loss for words as Chennai Super Kings snatched a thrilling victory by scoring 10 runs of the last two balls of the match and chasing down the mammoth total of 171 in 15 overs.

Later on, he said that he was proud of the way his team played and if he had to lose, then he would lose the IPL title to CSK. He said it was CSK destiny to win IPL 2023. He said that since good things happen to good people and Mahendra Singh Dhoni was one of the best people he knew. He also added that God had been kind to him but it was Dhoni’s night.

The whole CSK batting order chipped in as Ravindra Jadeja  smashed 15 not out off 6 balls, Devon Conway (47 off 25), Rituraj Gaikwad (26 off 16) and Shivam Dube (32*off 21). Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 13) and Ambati Rayudu (19 off 8) helped CSK chase 171 from 15 overs in the rain-shortened final.

For Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudarshan massacred the bowling attack by hitting 96 runs off 47 balls. He was supported by Wriddhiman Saha (54 off 39). Shubman Gill added (39 off 20) to contribute yo the gigantic total of 214 but the rain forced the match to be shortened to 15 overs.

Hardik Pandya said the Gujarat Titans played with a lot of heart and was proud of their fighting spirit. He said the CSK played better cricket to clinch the IPL 2023 title.

The Orange Cap was awarded to Shubman Gill (Highest  Runscorer) and the Purple Cap was awarded to Mohammed Shami (Highest Wicket-taker). Shami and Gill were at their absolute best throughout the tournament.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded the Emerging Player Of The Season. He has also been rewarded with a backup role in the India squad for the World Test championship final.