Mike Hussey names India’s two key players for WTC final against Australia

India and Australia will square off in the WTC final at The Oval from June 7 to 11.

By Salman Anjum - 29 May, 2023

India and Australia are all set to square off in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval in London from June 7 to 11.

Ahead of the marquee clash, Australian great Mike Hussey has said that the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be crucial to India's chances.

"It’s hard to see past Virat Kohli," Hussey said in a video posted on ICC’s official website.

"He (Kohli) is obviously coming back into some great form again in all forms of the game really, so both he and Rohit Sharma with the bat are going to be important for India."

Earlier this year, India defeated Australia 2-1 in a four-match Test series on home soil. However, Hussey understands that the conditions will be vastly different in London with fast bowlers expected to play a key role.

"It is going to be played in England, so English conditions will be different to the recent series in India, so I think the fast bowlers are going to be important," Hussey stated.

"Pat Cummins (is a key for Australia) and Josh Hazlewood might be fit again which would be nice for Australia.

"But India have got so many great bowlers as well. You’ve got (Mohammed) Siraj and (Mohammad) Shami and obviously the spinners with (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Ravichandran) Ashwin as well.

"It’s a world-class attack and the Aussies are going to have to be at their best to beat them," he further remarked.

When asked which team will lift the coveted World Test Championship mace, Hussey gave a rather diplomatic answer.

"I just want to see two great teams go head-to-head and see who comes out on top," Hussey said.

"We just want to see good, hard, fair cricket and whoever comes out on top deserves to. And it should be a fantastic match."

(With ICC Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 29 May, 2023

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