Australian team is in dark about whether R Ashwin will play for India in the upcoming ICC WTC 2023 Final, which will be hosted by the Oval from June 7-11 as they expect Ravindra Jadeja to be picked ahead of the veteran offie.
India utilised three spinners during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with both Ashwin (25 wickets) and Jadeja (22) shinning bright to help their side claim a 2-1 series win.
However, when India toured England in 2021, Jadeja was the sole spinner in the team in the four Tests that then Virat Kohli-led side played as Ashwin warmed the bench. He was also not picked in the rescheduled fifth Test in 2022.
However, Ashwin and Jadeja both played in the previous WTC final in 2021 in Southampton.
Talking to local media prior to Australia's training session, assistant coach Daniel Vettori said the team management had a lot of discussion about India's probable bowling attack.
"We have been debating that. 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,” Vettori said.
Vettori, however, feels Ashwin might just lose out on a spot in the playing XI because of team combination despite enjoying a decent record in England. The experienced off-spinner has a total of 18 wickets at an average of 28.11 from seven matches in England but has played just one Test at The Oval.
“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). 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,” he added.
Vettori also expects Cameron Green to play a big part in the WTC final and said: "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.
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.”
Both the teams will not be playing any practice game ahead of the final.
(PTI inputs)
