Follow UsAustralia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori labeled Ravichandran Ashwin an ‘incredible bowler’ that would be ‘first choice in most teams’, but admitted that his side have their doubts over the veteran off-spinner’s participation in the World Test Championship (WTC) final next week at The Oval.
Since the start of 2021, Ashwin has taken a staggering 99 wickets at an average of 19.04, but the 36-year-old has featured in only one of the six Tests India have played in England in this time period — the WTC final two years ago. The need for an extra pacer meant that India preferred Shardul Thakur over Ashwin in the five-Test series last year (2021/22).
Vettori believes Ravindra Jadeja is a sure-shot starter because of his all-round ability, but revealed that the Aussies are still ‘debating’ whether Ashwin will play.
"We have been debating that," Vettori told reporters about India’s Ashwin conundrum.
"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 Thakur and Ashwin, but they are (both) pretty good choices.
"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.
There’s also mystery surrounding how The Oval would behave, considering the game is being played in early June, where seamers in general are expected to get more assistance. In fact, it’s pace that has dominated proceedings at The Oval this County season, with spinners taking a solitary wicket.
But Vettori expects the wicket to behave ‘normally’, i.e. offer turn as the match goes on.
"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.”
Meanwhile, Cameron Green, who was away in India representing Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has joined-up with the rest of the squad and had his first hit out on Thursday (June 1).