The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has brought a new level of excitement and significance to the game’s longest format. Like the World Cup tournaments in T20 and ODI cricket, the WTC final is the pinnacle event for Test cricket. This article delves into the unique characteristics of the WTC, highlights the upcoming clash between India and Australia, and explores the role of the Reserve Day in case of adverse weather conditions.
The World Test Championship spans two years, with nine participating teams competing in a series of home and away matches. At the end of the cycle, the top two teams qualify for the final showdown to determine the ultimate champion. This format has added immense value to Test cricket, providing a long-term competitive framework that intensifies the battle for the top spot.
In the inaugural cycle of the WTC, New Zealand emerged as the deserving champion. Their consistent performance and strategic approach throughout the championship culminated in a remarkable victory. They set the bar high for future contenders as the first-ever WTC winners.
The stage is now for an epic battle between cricketing powerhouses India and Australia. These two teams have a rich history of intense rivalries, and the WTC final presents an opportunity for one of them to etch their name in Test cricket history. With both teams possessing formidable line-ups, the clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle of skill, strategy, and determination.
As the teams gear up for the final at The Oval, the weather forecast adds an element of uncertainty to the proceedings. Days 1 to 4 are expected to be mostly sunny, setting the stage for enthralling cricket. However, Day 5 might witness spotty afternoon showers, potentially disrupting play. Reserve Day comes into play to address this, ensuring a result is reached even in adverse weather conditions.
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The Reserve Day is a backup option if any of the first five days of the WTC final are affected by rain or thunderstorms, leading to a washout. In such a scenario, the sixth day completes the remaining overs and determines a winner. This provision ensures that the teams have a fair chance to secure a victory within the stipulated timeframe.
If the WTC ends in a draw or tie after five days, the coveted trophy will be shared between India and Australia. This emphasizes the contest’s competitive nature while acknowledging both teams’ exceptional performance.
The squads:
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Michael Neser, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Josh Inglis, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Reserves: Mitch Marsh, Matt Renshaw
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadakt, Umesh Yadav
Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav
