WTC 2023: Top 5 players who can make big impact in WTC final

Here are the top 5 cricketers who can make a big impact in the WTC final.

The countdown has started for the World Test Championship final. Australia and India are all set for the face-off at The Oval, England. Australia have qualified for the final for the first time, whereas the Indian team has made two in two. Last time, New Zealand defeated India to get their hands on the Test mace. So this time, India will be more aware of the match situation. 

For Australia, they could have been in the finals last time but it was just not meant to be. This time, they have advanced to the finals and assembled a strong squad. Although they will be missing Josh Hazelwood who got ruled out, but they're still favorites. For India, they will be missing big names like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer. Nevertheless, they have players who can put their heart and soul into it.

After a long time in Test cricket's history, The Oval will host a Test match in June and the Dukes ball will be used, so a neutral ball at a neutral venue will decide the result. Regardless of these, few players could play an impact role in deciding the fate of the match. Let's take a look at them:- 

5. Mohammed Siraj

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling centers around Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. Mohammed Siraj is now a much-improved bowler. For the last few years, he's been bowling like a dream. Regardless of the format, he's making the batters dance to his bowling tune.

Siraj is rated highly as a red ball bowler and it has been the case since his playing days in India's domestic circuit. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has also spoken very highly of him in the past. Since his Test debut against Australia, Siraj had a terrific time bowling in English conditions.

He has claimed 18 wickets in 5 matches in England thus far which suggests his remarkable capabilities. With an athletic run-up, Siraj gets the ball to nip back into the right-handers. 

Siraj has become Rohit's go-to man whenever he thinks pressure needs to be maintained. He can keep bowling on the same line and length relentlessly. The only worrying factor for Siraj could be his 'not so good' last Test at The Oval and now he has a chance not only to better his stats but also to win the coveted Test mace for the Indian team.

4. Cameron Green

Australia's young all-rounder Cameron Green could be the defining factor for Australia in the one-off Test against India. Green is high on confidence after his spectacular debut season in IPL. Even in his last outings against India, he looked much improved. The strongly built guy has a big match temperament like any other Aussie cricketer. 

The 24-year-old could be the surprise package in the middle order. Everyone's talking about Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and David Warner but Green can also make the game for the Kangaroos. With his height, Green gets on top of the ball, and once he finds the rhythm he can be brutal. His highest test score 114 in Tests came against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy concluded earlier this year.

Even after playing 20 Tests, he has slightly underperformed as per the expectations. This time, at the biggest stage he has the chance to showcase his talent. But the only factor that can go against him is that it will be his first test in England. If he gets acclimatised to the weather, he will be the player to watch out for.

3. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins is the most important member of the Australian Squad. The tall seamer will be in-charge of team Australia. He's currently ranked three in the ICC Men's Test bowling rankings. Along with Mitchell Starc, he can be lethal with his bowling exploits.

He has tremendous record bowling in English conditions. The last time he visited England, he snared 29 scalps in 5 Tests. Even against India, he has 46 wickets in 12 Tests to his name. But in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he had a forgetful run and after two Tests he had to return to his home to look after his ailing mother. This time, he will be keen to complete the unfinished job. 

Cummins apart from being their key bowler, is a born leader. Under his leadership, Australia have had a smooth transition and now they are going strong. Probably Cummins' biggest challenge as Test skipper will be the WTC Final.

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Gurunath Sharma will have all the eyeballs from India on him. He has a monumental task ahead this year considering the ICC events that are to come. Especially, the senior Indian men's cricket team not being able to bag an ICC trophy lately has been the talk of the town and Rohit being the skipper can help India secure one.

As far as Test cricket is concerned, England serves as a happy memory for him. With the impeccable consistency he had during the last tour, he got to his first Test century in England at The Oval itself. Even against Australia, Rohit had a good time batting against them. But this time, the stakes are higher as they will be battling for the Test mace. 

Rohit will be opening the batting for India. If he can set the tone from the start, things will be easier for batters to come. First and foremost he has to select the best XI possible and then captain it according to the situation.

1. Steve Smith

Steven Smith is arguably one of the greatest modern-day Test batters. Smudge as he's fondly called, averages 59.55 in 16 Tests that he has played thus far in England. His dedication and determination towards Test batting has reached sky-high. 

Even against WTC final opponents India, he averages more than 65 but in the last series against the Rohit Sharma-led side, Smith struggled. So, he'll be more hungry, and more keen this time to get some runs. And he's got his most favorite venue to score them, The Oval. Smith has scored 2 centuries at the venue and averages 97.75 in 3 Tests. 

Along with Marnus Labuschange, he holds control of Australia's batting order. If Smith gets going, things will get tougher for India. They will look to get him out as soon as possible to stand a chance. It will make for an intriguing battle for sure when Smith makes his way into the middle at The Oval.

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