India vs Australia 2023

'Thank god Smith captain nahi hai' - Fans react as Australia announce squad for WTC final against India

Australia have named their squad for the World Test Championship final against India, starting from June 7 at the Oval in London.

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Akshay
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Australia Test team

Australia Test team (Image credit: Twitter)

Australia Test team Australia Test team (Image credit: Twitter)

Australia announced a 17-member squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India as well as the first two Ashes Tests against England. David Warner has been retained in the squad, but the recall of Marcus Harris to the Test side will force the veteran opener to perform consistently. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis are also set to make a comeback in the longer format.

Pat Cummins will captain the side in the two high-profile Test series. Steve Smith, who captained the side in the last two tests of the 2023 BGT series against India after Cummins returned home due to personal commitments, has been appointed vice-captain. The WTC final will begin on June 7 at The Oval in London, while the first Ashes Test will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston.

"The World Test Championship is the culmination of more than two years of consistent performance at Test level by the team and the individuals involved, leading into an Ashes series which is always highly anticipated," said George Bailey, Chief Selector of the Australian Men's International Cricket Team.

Squad will be revisited ahead of the second Ashes: Bailey

Warner's place in the Test team was under scrutiny following a poor run in the format. He scored a double century in his 100th Test against South Africa but could not find his rhythm after that. However, Cricket Australia showed faith in him and decided to give the southpaw another chance. Todd Murphy has been picked as the second spinner and as a back up to spin wizard Nathan Lyon.

Meanwhile, Bailey said on Wednesday (April 19) that the squad will be revisited ahead of the second Ashes Test.

"Marcus Josh and Mitch return to the squad and will provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skillsets. We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC Final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour," Bailey said.

Australia's squad for the WTC final and first two Ashes Tests: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

Here's how fans reacted:

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