What Will Be Australia's Playing XI For WTC Final?
Pat Cummins will lead Australia [Source: Twitter]
On Wednesday, two formidable teams, Australia and India, will lock horns with each other in the much-anticipated World Test Championship final. The high-voltage clash, which will witness some nail-biting on-field contests between the legends of the game, is set to take place at the iconic Kennington Oval in England.
Considering the recent head-to-head record between the two teams, it will be a daunting task for Australia to trump the spirited Indian side. However, with their squad studded with several game-changers, the Aussies will play their heart out to join their Trans-Tasman rivals in the elite list of WTC holders.
As we inch closer towards the ultimate face-off, let's see what Australia's playing XI might look like for this encounter.
Top order: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne
Although David Warner is struggling with his form, Australia can't afford to drop him, as he has been an outright match-winner in the purest format over the years. So, in all likelihood, he will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, who has recently enjoyed stellar success in red-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne will bat at number three, as he has been exceptional at that position in Test cricket.
Middle order: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey
Steve Smith has a stunning record at the Oval [Source: Twitter]
Legendary batter Steve Smith, who has a prolific record against India, will bat at number four in the WTC final. He will be followed by the swashbuckling Travis Head, known for his explosive hitting in the red-ball format.
Cameron Green will play as the lone designated all-rounder, while Alex Carey will shoulder the keeping responsibilities.
Spinner: Nathan Lyon
Veteran cricketer Nathan Lyon will play as a solitary spinner in the WTC final. The wily tweaker has been a proven performer against India in Test cricket, scalping 116 wickets in only 26 matches.
Pacers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland
Skipper Pat Cummins, who has a superb record against talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli, will spearhead the Australian pace attack. Mitchell Starc will play as his deputy and could be pivotal for Australia, being a solitary left-arm swing bowler in the playing XI.
While Starc and Cummins are certain starters, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the game due to fitness concerns. So, Victorian pace sensation, Scott Boland will be drafted into the side as the third seamer.
Australia's probable playing XI for WTC final
David Warner
Usman Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Travis Head
Cameron Green
Alex Carey (WK)
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Lyon
Scott Boland
 "Debashis Sarangi")