The Oval Pitch Report, IND vs AUS WTC Final: After 2 years of effort and industriousness, India and Australia are all set to battle in the grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. The two heavyweights, India and Australia, will square off in the WTC final from June 7 to June 11 on The Oval, London(England).
India’s victory against Pat Cummins’ Australia in a 2-1 home series gave Rohit Sharma’s team another appearance in the WTC Final for the second time in a row. Australia had also earned a spot in the Ultimate Test by topping the WTC Points table during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 earlier this year.
India will face Australia for the first time in a neutral venue in the test format. India had a pretty decent series a year ago in the English condition. Last time when India played a test in the Oval against England, India won it by 157 runs. Rohit Sharma smacked beautiful hundred and 27 runs and then Captain Virat got 94 runs off his bat.
But this time around, the challenge is going to be different as the team dynamics and conditions have changed. First WTC final for Rohit Sharma, Green Top, No Jaspreet Bomrah, No Rishabh Pant, and comparatively a weaker middle order.
Table of Contents
Let’s take a brief look at The Oval Pitch Report, IND vs AUS Test Records & Stats, and London Weather Forecast:
The Oval Pitch Report
Over the years, The Oval’s wickets have displayed significant bounce. Fast bowlers always enjoy bowling in England. As the match moves into day three and beyond, there is support for both spin bowlers and fast bowlers. Swing bowlers benefit from favorable weather conditions as well.
This was in reference to how the Oval’s Pitch generally behaved. According to pictures of the Pitch going viral on the internet, it is really a green top. The batters will struggle in the middle, while the seamers will undoubtedly enjoy bowling. An overcast morning is the cruelest thing that can happen to a batsman. It is definitely going to be a bowlers’ paradise.
However, as this is the first Test to be played at the Oval in June, both sides could be looking for ways to capitalize on the spin. Since June marks the beginning of the English summer, spinners may have a game-changing role after the third day. Australia may select one spinner and load their pace attack, compared to India who will field two spinners.
The Oval, London Test Stats and Records
In 104 matches, pace bowlers picked up 1930 wickets at an average of 30.60, while spinners have taken 892 wickets at an average of 34.26. Fast bowlers have enjoyed their success at this venue. Until the present day, teams batting first have won 38 games, teams batting second have won 29, and 37 games have resulted in draws.
| Matches Played | 104 |
| Teams Won Batting First | 38 |
| Teams Won Chasing | 29 |
| Draw | 37 |
| Average First Batting Score | 345 |
| India Won | 2 |
| India Lost | 5 |
| India Draw | 7 |
| Australia Won | 7 |
| Australia Lost | 17 |
| Australia Draw | 14 |
London Weather Forecast
The end result of the WTC final may be significantly influenced by unpredictable weather in England. During the five days of play, it is predicted that the temperature would range from 18° to 22° Celsius. The first two days are predicted to be clear, with the possibility of scattered rain on the third and fourth days. Pacers are expected to have an advantage if it is overcast.
READ: IND vs AUS WTC Final Key Battles to Look Out for! WTC 2023 Final India vs Australia
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