ICC World Test Championship Final 2023

The second World Test Championship Final is upon us as the two most consistent Test teams over the last two years clash for a trophy, which despite fighting for relevance and context, remains a world title that neither have won. India of course fell short two years ago against an inspired New Zealand outfit in Southampton while Australia didn't even make it that far. And the two finalists have had two very different journeys to get to this point. While India has largely been in a rebuilding stage under Rohit Sharma following the end of the Kohli captaincy era, Australia have built themselves up under Cummins after parting ways with Tim Paine. As it turns out, India have played quite a bit in England in this current cycle, having had their five-match Test series in 2021 spread over two years. Australia, meanwhile, have the luxury for once to be in England on an 'Ashes' tour for a whole two weeks without having to obsess solely on England.

oz on a roll

Steve Smith now has 8900 Test match runs. Interested to see if he can make it to 10000 by the end of this match...