CricketCricket legends predicts the winner of WTC final
Ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final, which is to be played at the Oval Stadium between India and Australia, several legends of cricket have made their predictions on the outcome of the match. These legends include Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting, Wasim Akram, Ian Bell, and Ross Taylor.
Ricky Ponting’s prediction: Australia
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes that India’s selection indecision and conditions in England have put their team on a slight back foot as compared to Australia. Ponting said, “Australia are just favourites.” India has some unsteady areas in their team in regards to selection and injuries. Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul are out of the team, but there is still a question for them: with which keeper should they go, Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat? While Australia is more stable, the conditions in England right now are more likely to be Australian conditions than Indian conditions.
Wasim Akram’s prediction: Australia
The former Pakistani bowler and legendary Wasim Akram also believes that the pitch conditions are in favour of Australia, which gives them a slender advantage. He said, “In the last two years, both teams have shown that they are the best in the world, and that’s why they are in the final. India has a great record against Australia over the years, and recently they won a series, so it is definitely going to be a close game, but Australia are slight favourites due to some factors like pitch and weather.
Ravi Shastri’s prediction: Whoever strikes first
Former Indian player and coach Ravi Shastri didn’t name a specific favourite for this match, but he believes that early momentum will be crucial in the match. He said, “When I look at the current form of both teams, they haven’t played long periods of the game for quite some time. India played a lot of T20 cricket, while Australia played a bit of county cricket. Pat Cummins will be the key factor for Australia, while for India it will be Mohammed Shami.
Ian Bell’s prediction: whichever team bats first
Former England batsman Ian Bell believes that it is the runs that will make the difference in the game , it will be a showdown to see which team can put runs on the board and put pressure on the opposition in the second half as well. This wicket is good for batting in the early stages. It will definitely be an entrancing match to see.
Ross Taylor’s Prediction: Australia
Former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor also feels that Australia has a little to gain in this World Test Championship match. According to Taylor, injuries have weakened India’s play, although he parried the call by saying that the decision at the toss could also prove to be the match’s decider. India is likely to play with two spinners so they can bowl the last bowl, but Australia has more experience here as they get to play the Ashes here, and Bumrah’s absence will also affect India.
