Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell believes that Australia’s strong, fast bowling attack makes them a strong side against India in next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final in English conditions. In the absence of injured Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, the Indian team will have to suffer a huge loss.
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Lokesh Rahul are the other two Indian players who have been ruled out of the final to be held from June 7 to 11 due to injuries.
Ian Chappell wrote in his column on ‘ESPNcricinfo’ ” In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, the Indian team will have to suffer a huge loss in the final of the World Test Championship.”
Chappell believes that Australia’s pace attack is slightly better than India’s, while the Rohit Sharma-led team has the upper hand in the spin department.
Ian Chappell added, “Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara are the key players for the Indian team because they have achieved success in Test cricket. They will have a tough task against a strong Australian attack. Australian bowlers also need to pay attention to Shubman Gill. He plays without any fear and has the mindset to play shots which will not change even on this crucial occasion.”
Looking at the circumstances, Ian Chappell said that Australia is a slightly stronger contender. “The match is being played in English conditions which are favorable strong Australian fast bowling attack. The Indian fast bowling attack, with the presence of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav, is also strong and only slightly behind the Australian trio in wicket-taking ability.”
Ian Chappell said that mental strength will be important in the WTC Final. Ian Chappell said, “The team that displays the most resilience will be more likely to win as long as the competition is not affected by bad weather. A lot will depend on how the batsmen cope with the talented opposition’s fast bowlers. Australia is heavily dependent on the ability of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja to score big, but David Warner should not be overlooked.”
