Former cricketer Daniel Vettori reckons Ravichandran Ashwin might miss out from Team India’s XI for the World Test Championship final against Australia, which is all set to take place from June 7 to June 11 at The Oval in London. Team India will be facing the selection dilemma of playing two spinners or four pacers in the English conditions for the final.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are likely to feature in the XI if the team decides to go ahead with two spinners. However, Ashwin might have to make way for Shardul Thakur in the case of four pacers. Sharing his thoughts on the dilemma, Daniel Vettori expressed that team combination could force Ravichandran Ashwin out of the XI.
“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,” he said.
“R Ashwin is an incredible bowler and he will be the first choice in most teams, and just with their combinations it may lead to that (him missing selection),” he added.
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The wicket can offer a lot to the spinners: Daniel Vettori
Former New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori further expressed that the wicket at The Oval generally offers help to the spinners as the match goes on. Team India might prefer going in with two spinners, looking at the conditions on offer at The Oval. R Ashwin has played 18 wickets in England at an average of 28.11 in seven matches, including one game at The Oval.
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,” said Daniel Vettori.
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