ODI World Cup 2023, Final: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against India

Australia (AUS) will take on India (IND) in the finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. Australia, after a rocky start with two initial losses, have rallied splendidly in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, reaching their eighth final. Their opponents, India, have been a juggernaut, unbeaten throughout the tournament. The clash promises a riveting showdown between Australia's resurgence and India's dominant form. Both sides are poised for an epic battle in the ultimate showdown for cricketing glory.

Sunday's finale unfolds at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite a prior group-stage loss, Australia hold historical supremacy over India in World Cup contests. Aficionados acknowledge Australia as a potential disruptor to India's dominance in this tournament. As the anticipation builds, here's the predicted playing XI for Australia in the finals of the World Cup 2023.

Here's Australia's Predicted XI against India:

Openers: David Warner, Travis Head

In what might be his final World Cup appearance, David Warner's potential to steer his team to victory adds anticipation. His stellar performance, amassing 528 runs at a striking rate of 107.53, inclusive of two centuries and two half-centuries, marks him as a pivotal wicket at the opening position. A monumental moment awaits if Warner can clinch the win for Australia.

Travis Head's unforgettable performance in the WTC 2023 finals, hammering 163 off 174, remains etched in Indian memories. His pivotal role in steering Australia to victory and earning the Player of the Match accolade sets the stage for anticipation. Head's recent half-century against South Africa secured Australia's final berth, signalling his potential threat in Sunday's showdown against India.

Middle Order: Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (WK)

Travis Head's presence at the top fuels Mitchell Marsh's assertiveness. Despite a recent duck versus South Africa, Marsh is renowned as a potential game-changer. His aggressive batting style poses a threat to any bowling attack once he settles in. With 426 runs, averaging 53.25 at a striking rate of 107.84, including two centuries, Marsh stands as a key force in big-match scenarios.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Steve Smith's subdued form in this tournament hints at a potential surge in the final. Memories of his impactful century in the 2015 semi-final, dashing India's hope, looms large. India face the imperative task of dismissing him early, aware that Smith possesses the capability to tilt the game decisively in Australia's favour once he settles in.

In the semi-final clash against South Africa, Josh Inglis contributed a crucial 28 runs, a departure from his usual style, showcasing his adaptability under pressure. Making his debut in a World Cup final, Inglis aims to showcase his potential on the grandest stage, primed to make a substantial impact, leveraging the skills he displayed in the tense moments of the semi-final showdown.

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

India's focus will centre on containing Glenn Maxwell, a game-changer capable of clinching victory in diverse scenarios. His rapid run-scoring ability poses a significant threat, particularly if he settles in early. Maxwell's tally of 398 runs at a blistering strike rate of 150.18, coupled with his five wickets, amplifies the pressure India face, emphasising the need to curtail his impact from the onset.

Marcus Stoinis has contributed without seizing the spotlight in this World Cup. While his pivotal two-wicket haul versus Pakistan stood out, his 35 against England lacked fulfilment. Despite this, his probable inclusion in the playing XI against India could leverage his all-round capabilities. India's historical challenges against lesser-known bowlers may prompt Australia to field Stoinis, banking on his potential impact.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Pat Cummins' tactical brilliance has steered his team effectively, culminating in a decisive finish against South Africa where he anchored till the end, sealing victory. Energised for the final, Cummins aims to propel his team to another title triumph. Having led them to a WTC victory over India, this presents an opportune moment to etch his name in cricketing history with another monumental achievement.

Josh Hazlewood's enchanting performance of 12/2 in eight overs, encompassing two maidens, against South Africa showcased his prowess. Recalling a reminiscent display with the new ball against India in Chennai, Hazlewood eyes a repeat performance in the finals. A formidable start from him can significantly burden India, applying pressure early in the game—an area where Hazlewood has the knack to excel.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Mitchell Starc has made a mark since his World Cup initiation, emerging as the leading wicket-taker since his debut. With murmurs about this being his final World Cup, anticipation rises for his spirited display in the final. His 13 wickets in the tournament see him as a formidable threat, particularly at the start. The duel between Starc and the opposition promises an enthralling contest in this crucial match.

Adam Zampa's standout performances in this tournament have seen him thrive under pressure, consistently claiming crucial wickets. Despite a less impactful outing against South Africa, his proficiency against Indian batters, notably Virat Kohli, stands out. With a tally of 22 wickets across ten matches, Zampa emerges as a menacing threat for India, posing a significant challenge in the final encounter.

Australia's Predicted XI: 

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa