The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final is just around the corner, and both India and Australia are gearing up for the epic battle. As preparations intensify, Australian batting sensation Steve Smith expects favorable batting conditions at The Oval. However, the 33-year-old also foresees the potential for India-like spin-friendly conditions as the match progresses, with the likes of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja posing a threat.
Historically known for its batting-friendly nature, The Oval offers proper pace and bounce, making it a revered venue for cricket in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, as the game wears on, spinners may come into play, resulting in similarities to the conditions experienced in India.
“The Oval can occasionally present itself with spin, particularly as the game progresses, so we could encounter some similarities to what we faced in India during certain stages of the match. Nonetheless, The Oval is a fantastic place to play cricket. It boasts a lightning-fast outfield, the square extends across the entire ground, and it offers decent pace and bounce for an English surface. It’s shaping up to be an absolute cracker,” Smith expressed to cricket.com.au.
In recent years, India has held the upper hand over Australia, evident in their 2-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in India. As the upcoming final looms, fans can expect a thrilling contest, with India aiming to secure their first-ever WTC title and Australia vying for their maiden championship win.
Smith also expressed his excitement about the final, predicting a vibrant atmosphere with a strong turnout from fans. “The WTC is a remarkable initiative that adds significant value to every game we play. Qualifying on top and facing India in the final is incredibly thrilling. It will be India versus us at The Oval, and I’m sure there will be plenty of fans in attendance, probably more Indian than Australian. Nonetheless, it promises to be great fun, and the team is eagerly looking forward to it,” Smith stated.
As the countdown to the WTC Final begins, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans at The Oval. With the prospect of spin playing a role, fans can expect an enthralling contest between India and Australia as they battle it out for the coveted championship title.