Shane Watson’s Prediction On WTC 2021-23 Finalists
Legendary all-rounder Shane Watson has stated that South Africa and Australia will be the two finalists for the ICC World Test Championship for the 2021–2023 cycle.
The World Test Championship (WTC) 2021–23 cycle has intensified, with South Africa taking the lead in the race for the top two spots. After defeating India and Bangladesh at home and tying New Zealand in a three-match series, South Africa brushed aside England at Lord’s to put itself in position to go to the WTC 23 championship match.
With only two series left after the England tour, South Africa, which currently holds the lead on the standings with a point’s percentage (PCT) of 75, is poised to challenge for the championship this time around. But after this one, their only other away series will be against Australia, who is vying for first place in the table with a PCT of 70.
These two teams will compete in WTC 23, which will be hosted at Lord’s in June of next year, according to former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. When discussing the ICC Review, Watson said, “Right now, the way I see it, it’s going to be hard for South Africa and Australia to not make it”, Watson said, when asked to predict the two finalists.
“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,” he added.
Watson, however, didn’t rule out a return from either India or Pakistan, who with their recent losses have plummeted in the fight to qualification, stating that they both may come knocking at the finals.
“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 further added.
The second game of the three-match test series between South Africa and England will begin on August 25 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
