To write a new chapter in his already glorious legacy, Virat Kohli will take the field on June 7 at The Oval for one of the most important matches of his carer: World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 against Australia.
Australia finished at the top of the WTC 2023 points table with 11 wins in 19 Tests and India right behind them with 10 wins in 18 Test matches.
Australia had toured India earlier this year and lost 2-1 with Virat Kohli recording a century – breaking his long Test century drought – in Ahmedabad.
Virat Kohli has also dominated the Australians in Australia over the past decade. But come the WTC Final 2023, the challenge will be even tougher because of the English conditions at The Oval.
What is Virat Kohli’s record at The Oval?
In 3 Tests at The Oval, Virat Kohli averages only 28 and he’s recorded only 1 fifty here in 6 innings. The 34-year-0ld doesn’t have a great record here, but Australia will still be wary of the Indian lynhpin.
During his disastrous England tour in 2014, he managed scores of 6 and 20 at the Oval. In 2018, when he had his best England tour, he scored 49 and 0, and recently, in the 2021 tour, Virat Kohli scored 50 and 44.
India will be hoping that the starman improved his numbers at The Oval and end their decade-long drought of an ICC trophy.
Meanwhile, former Australia white-ball captain has already declared that the scores of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith would be decisive in the WTC Final, and that the bowlers of both teams would have to stop the opponent’s best batter at a cheap score.
Speaking with Star Sports, Aaron Finch said: “Both batting at number four, so the key is to try and get them as early as possible, early wickets to expose them to the brand new ball will be absolutely key. I will always side with Steve Smith, I think his record is outstanding, but it will be a very good contest.”
