IND vs AUS: Combined XI from WTC Final 2023

3. Steve Smith

Australia's mainstay Steve Smith has the habit of scoring runs against India and he mostly never fails to convert a start against India into a big hundred. Notably, his 126 in the World Test Championship was again a testimonial of his talent and temperament which he displayed in crucial situations. Smith walked into bat when Australia were 71/2 in the first session and after that, it was a display of sheer temperament and mindset. 

Smith, with the company of Travis Head, batted brilliantly and gave India small room to get his wicket. He was churning out runs without any difficulty and didn’t leave any chance to cash in on the poor bowling by the Indian bowlers in the last session of Day One. Smith scored his century in the 86^th over and it was his 7^th century in England.

Steven Smith the batter, with his unique technique always makes it tough for the opposition bowler and his innings of 126 in the final was exactly that. The crucial partnership between Travis Head and Steven Smith was the deciding factor for the match result and Smith once again was absolutely brilliant in a crucial contest.