The Australian team is still determining whether Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja will be picked to play for India in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled at The Oval from June 7 to 11.
In the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, India utilized the services of three spinners, with both Ashwin (25 wickets) and Jadeja (22 wickets) delivering exceptional performances to help their team secure a 2-1 series victory.
However, during India’s tour of England in 2021, Jadeja was the sole spinner in the team, featuring in four Tests, while Ashwin remained on the sidelines. Furthermore, Ashwin was not included in the rescheduled fifth Test in 2022.
Speaking to the local media before Australia’s training session, assistant coach Daniel Vettori revealed that the team management had extensively discussed India’s probable bowling attack.
“We have been debating that. I think Jadeja will play because of the batting he brings to the table and how successful he has been at that No.6 position. Then the question will be around that fourth seamer and the all-rounder in (Shardul) Thakur and Ashwin, but they are (both) pretty good choices,” said Vettori.
The former New Zealand cricketer believed that Ashwin might miss out on a spot in India’s playing XI due to team composition, despite his impressive track record in England. The seasoned off-spinner has accumulated a total of 18 wickets at an average of 28.11 from seven matches in England, but he has only played a single Test at The Oval.
“Ashwin is an incredible bowler and he will be first choice in most teams, and just with their combinations it may lead to that (him missing selection). We expect The Oval to behave how it always behaves. It is a good wicket, but it can offer a lot to the spinners as the game goes on,” he added.
Neither India nor Australia will play any warm-up game ahead of the big final.
