WTC final: Aaron Finch opens up on Test cricket's ultimate showdown

The World Test Championship final 2023 is just a few days away as India and Australia will be up against each other in the summit clash from June 7 at The Oval in London. Ahead of the big game, both teams are finalising their preparations and working on the best possible team combination for the final.

India also have a lot of thinking to do in terms of finalising their XI ahead of the big clash as they need to make a tough choice between Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur.

Former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch has said that picking Ashwin ahead of Jadeja will be an advantage for Australia as the off-spinner will create rough, which can be exploited by Nathan Lyon in the last few days of the game. Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc will also aid Lyon's cause with his footmarks.

"If they pick Ashwin, that will help him, Jadeja bowling about the middle of the wicket probably won’t make as much of a difference. So, maybe slight advantage [for Australia in WTC final], but maybe just,” said Finch on Star Sports.

Further talking about the pitch, Finch said that the wicket at The Oval can dry up and spin at the back end of the game and said that he would bat first if it’s a decent-looking surface.

“The Oval wicket can get flat through days three and four but can dry up and spin at the back of the game. I think I’ll bat first if it’s a decent-looking surface. So, I don’t think you need to overcomplicate it. I am sure Pat Cummins doesn’t overcomplicate much and neither is Rohit Sharma.”

India look to carry their dominance over Aussies in Tests

Notably, it will be India’s second consecutive final appearance in the WTC after they lost against New Zealand by 8 wickets in the inaugural edition in 2021. On the other hand, Australia will be appearing in their first final after finishing in the third spot in the first cycle in 2019-21. Hence, both teams will be raring to go in the big game to have their hands on the coveted trophy.

India have the upper hand over Australia as they’ve won the last four series played between the two teams. However, since India are marred by injuries to their big players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, Australia are coming into the contest as firm favourites.