The forthcoming World Test Championship (WTC) finals promise a thrilling battle where star players from both teams can achieve significant milestones, further enriching their illustrious careers. In this article, we delve into the aspirations of several players who stand on the precipice of remarkable records.
From Shubman Gill’s pursuit of 2000 runs in Test cricket to Pat Cummins’ quest for 400 international wickets, the WTC finals hold immense significance for these individuals. Let us explore the potential milestones these players can conquer.
Shubman Gill: Approaching the 2000-Run Milestone in Test Cricket
Shubman Gill has emerged as a prodigious talent not only in Indian cricket but also on the global stage. What distinguishes him is his ability to dominate and excel across all three formats of the game. Gill has experienced a remarkable year, accumulating 980 runs across various international formats.
In the Test arena, he stands just 20 runs shy of the coveted 1000-run milestone. Despite his relatively brief Test career, Gill has displayed promise with two centuries and four half-centuries in 15 matches. The WTC finals present an excellent opportunity for him to breach the 2000-run mark in Tests.
Pujara: The Target of 1000 Test Runs in England
Cheteshwar Pujara, renowned for his patience and ability to anchor innings, endeavors to conquer a significant milestone in the challenging English conditions. Pujara’s struggles in England have led him to participate in county cricket, accumulating invaluable runs.
Currently, with 829 runs in 15 Test matches in England at an average of 29.60, Pujara requires 171 runs to complete 1000 Test runs in this country. The WTC finals provide a crucial stage for him to play a defining innings for India and accomplish this milestone.
Ajinkya Rahane: Approaching 5000 Test Runs
Ajinkya Rahane, the resilient middle-order batsman for India, has experienced a rollercoaster ride throughout his Test career. After enduring a dip in form and being dropped from the team, Rahane made a resolute comeback with impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rahane has predominantly excelled on foreign soil and has been a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. With 4931 runs in 82 Tests at an average of 38.52, Rahane is a mere 69 runs away from reaching the significant milestone of 5000 Test runs. The WTC finals serve as an ideal platform for him to solidify his place among India’s Test cricket legends.
Mohammad Siraj: On the Verge of 50 Test Wickets
Mohammad Siraj, the young and talented fast bowler, has swiftly cemented his position as a regular member of the Indian bowling attack. Siraj’s aggressive bowling style has earned him accolades and the trust of Captain Virat Kohli. Displaying his skills in England and Australia, Siraj now stands on the precipice of capturing 50 Test wickets.
With 47 wickets in 18 Tests at an average of 31.29, Siraj needs a mere three more wickets to achieve this remarkable feat. The WTC finals offer him the perfect stage to etch his name among the top performers and leave an indelible mark on the game.
David Warner: Eyeing 1000 Runs in England
David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, has encountered challenges when batting in English conditions. Although he possesses 1836 runs in 46 Tests in England, his modest average of 33.38 reflects the difficulty he has faced.
Nevertheless, Warner remains a formidable batsman, and as the WTC finals approach, he requires 164 runs to reach the milestone of 1000 runs in England. Having scored three centuries and 15 half-centuries on English soil, with 166 as his highest score, Warner now sees the WTC finals as an opportunity to overcome past struggles and achieve the 1000-run milestone in England.
Mohammad Shami: Closing in on 50 Test Wickets
Mohammad Shami, the skillful fast bowler for India, stands on the verge of two significant milestones during the WTC finals. Shami requires 12 wickets to reach 50 wickets in Test matches against Australia and 10 wickets to achieve the same feat on English soil.
Having contributed significantly with 38 wickets in 13 Tests in England and 40 wickets in 11 Tests against Australia, Shami has been a vital component of India’s formidable bowling attack. Strong performances in both innings of the WTC finals will etch his name into the annals of cricketing history.
Margus Labuschen: Approaching 1000 Runs against India
Margus Labuschen, the top-ranked Test batsman from Australia, has garnered immense support from fans, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Steve Smith. Labuschen has proven to be a thorn in India’s side, accumulating 930 runs in 18 matches against them across all formats.
In the first innings of the WTC finals, Labuschen requires a mere 26 runs to surpass the 1000-run mark against India. With an average of 42.77, including a century and five half-centuries, Labuschen aims to further solidify his reputation as a formidable opponent for the Indian cricket team.
Steve Smith: Chasing 9000 Test Runs and 2000 Runs against India
Steve Smith, the former Australian captain and one of the finest cricketers in the world, has two significant milestones within his grasp. Smith needs 208 runs to achieve the feat of scoring 9000 Test runs in his career. With 8792 runs in 96 Tests, accompanied by 30 centuries and 37 fifties, Smith has been a dominant force in the Australian batting lineup.
Additionally, he stands just 103 runs away from accumulating 2000 runs against India in Test matches. With 1887 runs in 18 Tests against India, Smith’s impact on the Indian team has been substantial. The WTC finals provide an ideal opportunity for him to attain these milestones.
Cameron Green: Closing in on 1000 Test Runs
Cameron Green, the talented all-rounder from Australia, has already made a significant impact in the Test arena. With his maiden century in the Test series against India and impressive performances in the Indian Premier League, Green has exhibited his immense potential.
In 20 Tests, Green has scored 941 runs at an average of 37.64. He now stands just 59 runs away from reaching the milestone of 1000 Test runs. The WTC finals offer a vital platform for Green to further solidify his position and contribute with both bat and ball.
Pat Cummins: Pursuing 400 International Wickets
Pat Cummins, the highly regarded Australian fast bowler, is on the verge of a significant milestone in his international career. Cummins currently ranks as the tenth-highest wicket-taker in all formats of international cricket and requires a mere four more wickets to reach the 400-wicket mark.
With 396 wickets in 174 matches across various formats, Cummins’ skill, pace, and accuracy make him a formidable opponent for batsmen worldwide. The WTC finals provide him with an opportunity to add to his wicket tally and further solidify his status as one of the best fast bowlers in the game.
Mitchell Starc: Approaching 600 International Wickets
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm Australian pacer, has been a prolific wicket-taker throughout his career. With 598 international wickets in 245 matches, Starc currently holds the fourth position on the list of the most wickets taken by an Australian in international cricket.
Notably, against India, Starc has been particularly impressive, claiming 44 wickets in 17 Tests. He now stands just six wickets away from the significant milestone of 600 international wickets. The WTC finals offer Starc an opportunity to make a lasting impact with his lethal bowling and achieve this remarkable feat.
Scott Boland: Nearing 50 International Wickets
Scott Boland, the fast bowler from Australia, has been drafted into the XI due to Josh Hazlewood’s injury. Boland has shown promise in his limited international appearances, claiming 47 wickets in 24 matches. He requires a mere three more wickets to reach the milestone of 50 international wickets.
Boland’s average of 25.93 reflects his effectiveness as a bowler, and his best performance of 6 wickets for 7 runs highlights his potential to be a game-changer. The WTC finals provide Boland with an opportunity to contribute to Australia’s success and achieve this significant milestone.
As the highly anticipated WTC finals approach, not only does the championship hang in the balance, but also the potential for individual players to reach remarkable milestones. From the young talents of Shubman Gill and Cameron Green to the established stars of Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, these players have set their sights on achieving significant records in the game.
With fans eagerly awaiting the action-packed encounter, the possibility of these players etching their names in cricketing history adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.