Australia are expecting Ravindra Jadeja to play in India’s playing XI in the World Test Championship final but they are unsure about veteran spinner R Ashwin’s participation in the mega contest to be played at The Oval starting June 7 as well. However, India utilised three spinners during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with both Ashwin (25 wickets) and Jadeja (22) doing well and helping their side claim a 2-1 series win as well.
While talking to local media before Australia’s training session at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham on Thursday, assistant coach Daniel Vettori said, “We have been debating that,” Vettori said. “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.”
The veteran has a total of 18 wickets which came at an average of 28.11 from seven matches in England but he has played just one Test at The Oval.
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“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),” Vettori said. “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.”
Vettori also expects Cameron Green to play a key role in the WTC final, especially after his superb performance in the recently-concluded IPL.
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“Any cricket is preparation now. He is doing work in the background to make sure his bowling loads are up and he is actually ready for Test cricket. We look at it like if you are involved in high-intensity, high-class cricket, we are happy with that as it means you are playing cricket. “The hardest thing for guys is coming out of nothing and that might be a challenge for a couple of guys who have had an extended break and how they get up to speed as quickly as possible. With Cameron I think he has been playing so much cricket, he will be fine. It’s great to have him back. He offers so much to the team and had a great series in India for us and then is coming off the back of a successful IPL,” Daniel Vettori concluded.
