‘He Will be First Choice in Most Teams…’: Vettori Feels R Ashwin Might Miss Out From India’s XI in WTC Final

Australia are hoping to have Ravindra Jadeja in India’s playing XI for the World Test Championship final but are uncertain about Ravichandran Ashwin’s participation in the premier contest starting on June 7 at The Oval.

India recently used three spinners during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with both Ashwin (25 wickets) and Jadeja (22) helping their team win the series 2-1.

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Speaking to local media ahead of Australia’s training session on Thursday at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, assistant coach Daniel Vettori said the team management discussed India’s potential bowling attack a lot.

Vettori said, ‘We are debating it.’

“I think Jadeja will play because of his batting and how successful he has been at the No.6 position,” he said.

Then the question will be about the fourth fast bowler and all-rounder (Shardul) Thakur and Ashwin, but they (both) are very good options. XI due to team combination despite enjoying a decent record in England.

The veteran off-spinner has taken a total of 18 wickets in seven matches in England at an average of 28.11 but has played only one Test at The Oval.

“Ashwin is an incredible bowler and he will be the first choice in most teams, and just because of his combination it could (miss out),” Vettori said.

“We expect Oval to behave like it always behaves.

“It’s a good wicket, but as the game progresses, it can give away a lot to the spinners.” Vettori also expects Cameron Green to play a big role in the WTC final, especially after his stupendous performance in the recently concluded IPL.

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“Any cricket is preparing now. He’s been working in the background to make sure his bowling load is up and he’s really ready for Test cricket,” Vettori said of Green.

“We look at it as if you are involved in high-intensity, high-class cricket, we are happy with it because it means you are playing cricket.

“The hardest thing for guys is to come out of the void and that can be a challenge for some of the players who have had an extended break and get going as fast as they can,” he added.

“I think with Cameron playing a lot of cricket he will be fine. It’s great to have him back. He brings a lot to the team and we had a great series in India and then coming back with a successful IPL.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,