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With the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa drawing near, cricket pundits are locked in debate over team selections. One such voice—respected and known for his analytical acumen—is former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who recently shared his thoughts on how Australia should shape their bowling lineup for the high-pressure clash at Lord’s.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri stressed the importance of horses for courses—and in this case, backed the star Aussie pacer for a spot in the playing XI for the much-awaited summit clash.
Ravi Shastri reveals why Australia should pick Josh Hazlewood for the WTC final
Shastri backed Josh Hazlewood to be picked in the playing XI, provided he’s fit, highlighting two key factors: the suitability of English conditions and the unique slope at Lord’s. He draws a comparison between Hazlewood and legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, particularly noting how McGrath thrived at Lord’s thanks to his ability to use the slope effectively from the Commentary Box end. By suggesting this, Shastri emphasizes Hazlewood’s McGrath-like bowling style—accurate, disciplined, and ideal for exploiting such conditions—making him a valuable asset at that venue.
“If Hazlewood is fit to do that, he will definitely get the nod for two reasons. One, the English conditions, two, Lord’s with the slope. And the reason I say Lord’s slope is Hazlewood is most likened to Glenn McGrath. And you’ve got to just check Glenn McGrath’s record at Lord’s, with the slope around and bowling from the Commentary Box end,” said Shastri.
Shastri emphasized that Hazlewood’s height allows him to replicate McGrath’s effectiveness, especially in slower English conditions. He pointed out that unlike Australian pitches, England’s surfaces require bowlers to extract bounce through height, something Hazlewood naturally possesses.
“I think Hazlewood can do something similar with his height. The pitches aren’t as quick as in Australia. So, you need that extra bit of height and bounce, which he will get,” added the former India cricketer.
Also READ: AB de Villiers picks South Africa’s bowling attack for WTC final against Australia at Lord’s
Shastri backs four-seamer strategy on grassy pitches
Shastri suggested that if the pitch has enough grass and offers favorable conditions for seam bowling, the ideal strategy would be to include all four seamers in the playing XI. The presence of grass typically indicates movement off the surface, which benefits fast bowlers, and Shastri reckoned that in such a scenario, maximizing the pace attack would be the best tactical approach.
“Ideally, you want to play all four (seamers) if you get half a chance and if there’s a little more grass on the surface,” Shastri concluded.
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