The joy and ecstasy on the players' faces after the win against India was second to none and with 'The Ashes' just a few days away, the Aussies have gained the much-needed momentum for their long English Summer!<o:p></o:p>

The ICC <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tests/world-test-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Test Championship</a> 2023 final between India and Australia at the Kennington Oval was a much-awaited battle and the Indian fans, in particular, were hoping to turn the tables this time and were eager to erase the memories of the last WTC final. But like the last ten years, an ICC Trophy again eluded the Indian camp.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The grand finale saw some brilliant individual performances as well. Be it a tremendous display of bowling spells or dominating the bowling attack with proactive batting, the final saw it all.

Here's a look at the Combined XI from the World Test Championship Final 2023:<o:p></o:p>

1. David Warner&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686152655110_David-Warner.jpeg" alt="David Warner" loading="lazy"><figcaption>David Warner (Photo Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>

It is always hard to face the new ball as an opening batter and the batter’s technique and mindset are tested even more when the match is played in England. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/wtc-2023-final-david-warners-promising-innings-cut-short-by-shardul-thakurs-golden-arm-on-the-stroke-of-lunch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a> has been a talking point when the opening combination for Australia has been discussed and with the age not being on Warner’s side, Warner had to perform to keep his place in the Australian XI.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The left-handed batter didn’t succumb to the pressure on the first day and after being put into bat by India, Warner played a clean and swift innings of 43 runs from 60 balls. Although, the finale didn’t see the openers from both the teams scoring big runs but the approach from Warner in the first innings was commendable and to score freely in the first session of a Day 1 pitch, which was assisting the bowlers was a terrific display of temperament and skillset.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

In the second innings, however, David Warner was dismissed cheaply and couldn’t add to his first-innings display of attacking cricket. He was dismissed by Siraj for a solitary run in the fourth over of the second innings. Even though he could only manage 44 runs in the two innings he played, his presence in the middle and the shots he played may lead to big innings ahead in the coming Ashes 2023.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

2. Rohit Sharma <o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686647023831_Rohit-Sharma-WTC.jpeg" alt="Rohit Sharma WTC." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Rohit Sharma WTC. (Photo Source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>

Team India skipper, Rohit Sharma, had a rather disappointing IPL with the bat and was hoping to turn the fortunes for himself with the bat when he walked out into the middle for India. The finale didn’t see a very heavy contribution from openers of both sides, but Rohit Sharma was looking set for a big innings, when India was chasing a mammoth total of 444 runs to win the World Test Championship.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

After missing out on a start in the first Innings, where he was dismissed for 15 runs by an incoming delivery by Cummins, Rohit seemed in full control when India resumed the chase in the second innings. Rohit made his intentions very clear when he played a short-arm pull for a four of the second ball of the innings. His foot movement and positive mindset raised hopes for big innings. He scored a fluent 43 runs before getting out trying to sweep Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Although Rohit could only manage scores of 15 and 43 in his two innings, the manner in which he got the runs and the shots played by him was a positive sign for the Indian fans who were hoping Rohit Sharma to get back into form.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

3. Steve Smith <o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686247240181_Steve-Smith.jpeg" alt="Steve Smith" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Steve Smith. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Australia's mainstay Steve Smith has the habit of scoring runs against India and he mostly never fails to convert a start against India into a big hundred. Notably, his 126 in the World Test Championship was again a testimonial of his talent and temperament which he displayed in crucial situations. Smith walked into bat when Australia were 71/2 in the first session and after that, it was a display of sheer temperament and mindset.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Smith, with the company of Travis Head, batted brilliantly and gave India small room to get his wicket. He was churning out runs without any difficulty and didn’t leave any chance to cash in on the poor bowling by the Indian bowlers in the last session of Day One. <o:p></o:p>Smith scored his century in the 86th over and it was his 7th century in England. <o:p></o:p>

Steven Smith the batter, with his unique technique always makes it tough for the opposition bowler and his innings of 126 in the final was exactly that. The crucial partnership between Travis Head and Steven Smith was the deciding factor for the match result and Smith once again was absolutely brilliant in a crucial contest.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

4. Ajinkya Rahane<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686646832433_Ajinkya-Rahane-WTC.jpeg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane WTC." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Ajinkya Rahane WTC. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/always-stands-up-when-odds-are-against-us-twitter-lauds-ajinkya-rahanes-gritty-half-century-at-the-oval/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ajinkya Rahane</a> was the comeback man in the Indian Test squad. After being dropped earlier this year for the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Rahane worked his way through to the Indian side with his hard work in the domestic circuit and his impactful performances in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>He stood like a rock in the first innings for India and was the highest scorer with 89 runs. Rahane, in partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, took India to a score of 296 in the first innings. Rahane’s footwork and intent were impeccable and the fluency in his innings was a treat for the Indian fans.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>The comeback man was very much under pressure and was in need to prove his selection and he did it with his counter-attacking style. Rahane showed why he is rated so highly by the experts when he showed his grit by battling a finger injury and batting through in the first innings to get the team to a respectable total in response to the huge total posted by Australia in their first innings.<o:p></o:p>

5. Travis Head<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686559177934_Travis-Head.jpeg" alt="Travis Head" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Travis Head. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Travis Head has turned quite a few heads this Australian summer with his quick-fire and attacking knocks and the batter seized the opportunity in the WTC 2023 final as well to display his dominance with the bat for Australia. The Aussie was in the middle of the first session of day One and seemed in a positive frame of mind from the word go.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Head scored at a healthy rate and was not letting any bowler settle down. He was quick on his feet against Jadeja and was playing the seamers exceptionally well. The batter scored rather freely and his innings of 163 runs included 25 fours and a solitary six. He was quick to cash in on loose deliveries and never gave the opposition a chance to keep him quiet in the middle.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Travis Head, with his aggressive batting and quick-fire hundred, snatched the match from India on the first day itself and for his magnificent batting display was adjudged the Player of the Match in the final. With Ashes 2023 just a few days away, the way in which Travis Head scored runs in English conditions would be making the Australian Support staff very happy and he would like to perform the same way or even better in the upcoming blockbuster Test series.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

6. Alex Carey (wk)<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686461246944_Alex-Carey.jpeg" alt="Alex Carey" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Alex Carey. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

All the teams, when touring England talk about having an outstanding keeper who can counter the seaming ball in England behind the wickets and if that keeper can bat as well as Carey did, then it’s a bonus for the touring side. Carey was impressive behind the wickets for Australia and was part of 6 dismissals in the entire match.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;The left-hander</o:p> was impactful with the bat as well and gave important contributions of 48 and 66 in the first and second innings, respectively. The pace at which he scored runs and the way in which he countered the Indian seam bowlers was very impressive. The Australian stumper looked confident to take on any attack and with the shots he played, he was trying to make a statement after a dismal tour of India.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

With an impressive outing with the bat and clean keeping behind the wickets, Alex Carey contributed brilliantly for Australia to win the World Test Championship. The confidence in scoring runs and keeping wickets fluently will be a big boost for him going into the next series. <o:p></o:p><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

7. Ravindra Jadeja

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686246580186_Ravindra-Jadeja.jpeg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Ravindra Jadeja was the star for Chennai Super Kings a couple of weeks back and the star allrounder was again up with spectacular performances for Team India. Ashwin being dropped from the team was the talk of the town, but being the sole spinner took the responsibility and did fairly well with the ball despite the seam-friendly conditions.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Jadeja in his first innings with the ball, was rather economical and took the wicket of Alex Carey. He finished with bowling figures of 18-2-56-1 and with the bat, Jadeja was showing intent from the word go and was attacking the opposition bowlers with proper cricketing shots and was looking set for a big score.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Ravindra Jadeja was batting brilliantly with Ajinkya Rahane and they both stitched a partnership of 71 runs. Jadeja, however, couldn’t get onto his half-century, as he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon on 48. In the second innings, Jadeja again impressed everyone with the bowl and took 3 crucial wickets of Steven Smith, Travis Head and Cameron Green. Even though, he missed out with the bat in India's second innings, his contribution in the finale was impactful and commendable.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

8. Pat Cummins (c)<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686646544529_Pat-Cummins-WTC.jpeg" alt="Pat Cummins WTC." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Pat Cummins WTC. (Photo Source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/pat-cummins-keen-on-achieving-legacy-defining-stuff-in-ashes-post-wtc-victory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pat Cummins</a> represented Australia on the ground after a gap of three months and the Australian Captain was ready to lead his side with utmost confidence. His positive attitude and tight bowling were a testimonial of his confidence in his abilities and the trust he shares with his teammates. The fast bowler, although overstepped a few times, was creating problems for the Indian batters with his tight lines and lengths.<o:p></o:p>

Cummins in the first innings took three wickets which included the important wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. His ability to get the wicket of important batters was once again an advantage for the Australian side in the much-important finale. With taking important decisions on the field which reaped the desired results and managing his own bowling effectively, Cummins was exceptional in the World Test Championship Finale.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Albeit, the Australian pacer will look to improve his rhythm before the much-awaited Ashes series, the performance he gave with the bowl in the final and the way he managed his troops was exceptional and he played a vital role in helping Australia clinch the WTC Mace.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

9. Scott Boland <o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686647273928_Scott-Boland-WTC.jpeg" alt="Scott Boland WTC." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Scott Boland WTC. (Photo source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/his-ability-to-hit-the-stumps-is-a-big-plus-steve-smith-extols-scott-boland-after-pacers-brilliant-spell-in-first-innings-of-wtc-2023-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott Boland</a> has been in terrific form since his debut last year and the fast bowler has looked threatening whenever he has been given the ball. The tight lines and consistency with which he bowls have put the opposition batters under pressure and resulted in getting them out.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Boland was very impressive in both innings and was responsible for the wickets of Shubman Gill in both innings. Furthermore, he also got Virat Kohli out in the second innings, when India was chasing a huge total of 444. In his journey of eight Test matches, the Australian pacer has picked 33 wickets. Moreover, he also has the best average in Tests (min. 30 wickets).&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Scott Boland was a replacement for injured Hazlewood and Boland justified his role for Australia coming in as a replacement. He will be raring to go against the English batters and with the Bazball again being the talk of the town, it will be interesting to see how the English batters perform against the likes of Boland, Starc and Cummins.<o:p></o:p>

10. Nathan Lyon<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/for-him-its-the-equivalent-of-a-world-cup-mitchell-starc-reflects-on-nathan-lyons-world-test-championship-success/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Lyon</a> has impressed everyone with every outing he has done for Australia in tests. The off-spinner has been a pain point for Indian batters for a long time now and the spin wizard once again created difficulties for the Indian batters to score freely.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin not being part of the Indian XI was a shocker for many and the performance which Lyon gave was rubbing salt into the wounds of Indian fans. The legendary offie&nbsp;was tight with his lines and even though he only got a solitary wicket in the first innings, he was quick to pounce on the opportunity in the second innings and returned with a four fer. <o:p></o:p>

In the second innings, Nathan Lyon took the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma off the fifth ball of his first over. Consequently, that fueled his confidence just enough to keep the Indian batters quiet. Lyon didn’t let the batters hit him freely or attack him and was on the lookout to trap the Indian batters in the crease. The splendid bowling in the second innings was a good outing for Lyon before the Ashes series.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

11. Mohammed Siraj

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686646352980_Mohammad-Siraj-WTC.jpeg" alt="Mohammad Siraj WTC." loading="lazy"><figcaption>Mohammad Siraj WTC. (Photo Source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>

Mohammed Siraj has improved his game drastically and has become the prime bowler for India. The aggressive nature and fierce bowling spells are a treat to watch. The bowler has maintained a tight line whenever he has been provided with the opportunity to open the bowling for Team India.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Siraj was no different in the World Test Championship Finale, he was the reason India could get early breakthroughs and was right on target from the very first ball he bowled. In both innings, Siraj gave India the first breakthrough and was questioning the Australian batters with tight line and length.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Mohammed Siraj took a four-wicket haul in the first innings and was involved in the dismissal of Usman Khwaja and Travis Head. Siraj has shown the hunger to take wickets and the way he was running in when the odds were against India, showed his grit and determination to play for the country and perform on the big stage. Although the result didn’t go in India’s favour, Mohammed Siraj gave a glimpse of what to expect of him in future matches.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Travis Head, Pat Cummins and Ajinkya Rahane.

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