‘They’re playing really good cricket’ – Shane Watson predicts finalists of WTC 2021-23
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has made his predictions for the finalists of the World Test Championship 2021-23.
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Aug 20, 2022 4:42 pm
Shane Watson: (Image Source: Twitter)
The Australian former all-rounder Shane Watson has made his predictions for the finalists of the World Test Championship 2021-23 after looking at the current points table. Following their remarkable win against England, South Africa are currently in a solid position with six wins in eight games with a win percentage of 75. Australia are right behind the Proteas at the second position with a win percentage of 70. The Aussies are followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan at third, fourth, and fifth position respectively.
India and New Zealand were the finalists of the 2019-2021 edition of the World Test Championship. The competition across the present WTC cycle has seen a reasonable level of parity and there has been a close fight for the top two spots. The race for the final is getting spicier and every match carries huge importance.
South Africa and Australia are ahead in the race as of now but they shall face some tough challenges from the likes of Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. There is a threat to South Africa and Australia of losing points in their away fixtures against England and India respectively. Besides, Pakistan have an advantage with all of their remaining fixtures at home.
‘It’s going to be hard for South Africa and Australia to not make it’: Shane Watson
Watson praised South Africa and Australia for playing some great cricket. He believes they are the front runners to qualify for the WTC finals. Australian, however, added that teams such as India and Pakistan can never be counted out. The veteran all-rounder feels that both the Asian giants have many match winners and will put up a tough fight for the top two spots in WTC Cycle 2021-23.
“Right now, the way I see it, it’s going to be hard for South Africa and Australia to not make it. They’re both playing really good cricket. Australia played good cricket apart from that last Test against Sri Lanka where they got swept up in turning conditions in the last innings,” Watson was quoted as saying by Cricket’s governing body.
“You can never discount India and Pakistan because they’ve got so many match winners outside of their home countries as well. Those two, I’d be very surprised if they don’t come knocking on the door leading into the final,” he added.
