After an intense and action-packed Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is now gearing up for their next challenge – the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. This highly anticipated match will take place at The Oval, where the pitch is expected to heavily favor the seamers.
Many experts, including former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, have labeled the Australians as the favorites, given the strength of their squad on paper. Despite the last-minute exclusion of Josh Hazlewood, the Aussie pace battery still looks formidable, setting the stage for a gritty contest in London.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Reveals Ideal Playing XI For India In WTC Final Against Australia
However, Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar holds a different perspective and believes that Team India should utilize the skills of both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the game. Tendulkar expressed, “The Indian team will be pleased to be playing at The Oval. The nature of the pitch at The Oval tends to assist spinners as the match progresses. Spinners will definitely come into play.”
He further explained, “The pitch doesn’t always have to be a turning track. Spinners can also rely on the bounce and the slight movement they can generate off the pitch. It also depends on the overhead conditions and the shine on the ball. If they can get the drift, they can make the ball talk in the air without relying solely on the pitch. Hence, The Oval could be a favorable venue for India.”
It remains to be seen whether India will indeed field both spinners or opt for an additional seam option, potentially Shardul Thakur. However, Thakur’s limited usage by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the recently concluded IPL may work against him. In the 11 matches he played in IPL 2023, Thakur bowled only 21 overs and took seven wickets.
ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan and Dinesh Karthik Engage In Pitch Debate Ahead of WTC Final
As the much-anticipated WTC final approaches, all eyes will be on the clash between India and Australia at The Oval. The outcome of this crucial battle will determine the fate of the coveted championship title. Both teams possess a wealth of talent, and it is sure to be an enthralling contest that captivates cricket fans worldwide.
