As the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia approaches, the Indian team is gearing up for the epic battle at the Oval. Speculation about the playing eleven has been rife, and a recent post by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Instagram has further fueled the curiosity of fans, who are deciphering it as a potential hint at the team composition.
With the news of Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability, the Indian batsmen may have found some respite ahead of the clash against the Australian pacers. The Indian team has been diligently preparing for the test match since their arrival on June 1st, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
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Given the seam-friendly conditions at the Oval, both teams are likely to field four fast bowlers in their lineups, which leaves India with the option to play only one spinner, either Axar Patel or Ravichandran Ashwin. The team selectors face the daunting task of assembling a strong lineup to counter the formidable Australian side.
The Indian cricket team often shares their team lineup ahead of significant matches, and on Sunday, their official Instagram handle posted several pictures of the team’s practice session at the Oval. The collection of images featured eleven players who could potentially take the field in the WTC Final, slated to begin on Wednesday.
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The players seen in the post were Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami. Fans were quick to speculate that this could be the actual playing eleven for the WTC Final on June 7th. However, considering the English conditions, it is unlikely that India would field three spinners in the lineup.
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Looking ahead to the mega clash, India might consider giving opportunities to Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, alongside the experienced duo of Shami and Siraj. As the situation stands, only one between Ashwin and Shardul is expected to feature in the final lineup.
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the announcement of the official playing eleven by the Indian team management, which will unveil the final combination that takes the field in their quest for the World Test Championship glory.
India’s probable XI for WTC final: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammad Siraj.
