Australia and India set sights on completing trophy collection in thrilling fantasy final

 In the world of pro-wrestling, there's a term called fantasy booking. It involves bringing together legendary wrestlers from different eras or territories to imagine an epic match that seemed impossible in reality.

Similarly, cricket fans have their own version of fantasy booking. Picture Dennis Lillee bowling against Sachin Tendulkar or Pat Cummins challenging Virat Kohli on an English pitch during a picturesque summer in London. While Lillee vs. Tendulkar remains a fantasy, we're now just a day away from witnessing Cummins bowling to Kohli in a highly-anticipated clash.

The second World Test Championship Final is upon us, pitting the two most consistent teams of the past two years against each other. Both teams are vying for a world title that has eluded them. India fell short against New Zealand two years ago, while Australia didn't even make it that far. Their paths to this final have been vastly different. India, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, went through a rebuilding phase after the Kohli era, while Australia rebuilt under Pat Cummins after parting ways with Tim Paine. Interestingly, India has had substantial experience playing in England during this cycle, with their five-match Test series in 2021 spread over two years. Australia, on the other hand, has the luxury of being in England for an "Ashes" tour without solely focusing on England.

It's true that the lead-up to this final, given its placement and setting, might not have the grandeur or buzz typically associated with such a significant Test match. However, being played at The Oval in early June introduces a sense of mystery and intrigue to the proceedings, adding to the excitement regardless of the stakes. The unpredictability of the match itself, coupled with the element of the unknown, makes watching the action unfold at The Oval over the next few days a captivating experience. It's like witnessing one of those dream matches from fantasy booking becoming a reality in a grand final.