Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked Australia as the favorites for the World Test Championship final against South Africa. The two teams will take on each other in the summit clash at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s, from Wednesday onwards.
Australia has a potent pace battery in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. The Aussies also have the services of experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne are experienced batters in the Australian team.
“Who will start as favorites? Of course, Australia are going to start as favorites. If you do man-to-man marking, they are a better team. Quality, pedigree, and you find that Australia have a bit more,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“They also know how to win big games and lift trophies, and there is a guy, Josh Hazlewood, who has never lost a final. He has also reached there. Australia will start as firm favorites,” he added.
On the other hand, the renowned commentator noted that South Africa had an easier draw but they should applaud the Proteas for their final run.
“You need to applaud South Africa for their journey because it’s difficult. They had a slightly easy draw, but the truth is that they didn’t send their A-team to New Zealand because the SA20 was happening at that time, and certain teams can’t afford to miss their domestic T20 cricket,” he said.
Chopra said it would be an incredible win if South Africa stuns Australia for the WTC title.
“The entire world stops for us. A window is created during the IPL where no one plays, but not all teams are like that. South Africa reaching here is a phenomenal thing. It’s a huge achievement, and if they pull off this victory, that would be absolutely incredible. It seems improbable, but it’s not impossible,” Chopra observed.
Both teams would look to come up with a collective show in London.
