The 285-run first innings partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head, according to former Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch, is what made the World Test Championship final between Australia and India at The Oval.
India came in second place in the WTC final for the second time in a row as Australia won by a commanding 209 runs on Sunday.
India has lost to New Zealand in the first World Television Championship final.
“Wow, winning the World Test Championship is a great accomplishment. The game’s difference, in my opinion, was the relationship between Travis Head and Steve Smith, but that’s simply what Steve Smith does, according to Finch, who spoke to ‘SEN Radio’.
“When he (Smith) arrives in England, he seems to go out and take 100s whenever he wants. I’m thrilled for the squad, and it was a fantastic performance,” he said.
After the disappointing defeat, India’s captain Rohit Sharma has advocated for a three-Test World T20 final and questioned the lack of preparation time for the high-profile match since it was scheduled immediately after the IPL. Finch argues otherwise, however.
I believe it’s simply the current reality of fixture scheduling and time limits, he added.
“I have no problems with it, but if it goes on for three Tests, what happens if a team loses? It turns into a little time waster. For both the triumphs and the losses, we all play sports. It’s not at all a problem for me.
Right-arm bowler Scott Boland, who will play in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston beginning on June 16, has, in Finch’s opinion, cemented his spot in the starting XI thanks to his strong performance in the WTC final.
Boland, who took Josh Hazlewood’s position in the starting XI due to injury, finished with a match total of 5 for 105, including crucial dismissals of Shubman Gil, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja in India’s second innings.
“He (Boland) was outstanding, and I think he’s well and truly sewn up that third quick spot in the first Test,” Finch said.
Josh Hazlewood has a number of niggles that keep bothering him, so I’m not sure whether he’ll be back from injury, but Scott Boland will undoubtedly play at Edgbaston.
