WTC Final: Indian pace bowling attack a mystery for Australia, says assistant coach Daniel Vettori

London: Australia are eyeing Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final but are unsure of Ravichandran Ashwin’s participation in the premier contest starting June 7 at The Oval. India recently used three spinners during the Border – Gavaskar Trophy series with both Ashwin (25 wickets) and Jadeja (22) performing brilliantly to help their team win the series 2-1.

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 around that fourth fast bowler and all-rounder in (Shardul) Thakur and Ashwin, but they (both) are quite good options,” Vettori said.

high energy level

increasing the intensity with each subsequent session #WTC23 ,#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/q6IAORAkIz– BCCI (@BCCI) June 2, 2023

However, Vettori feels that despite enjoying a good record in England, Ashwin might miss out on a place in the playing XI due to team combination. 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 The 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 2023. He is working in the background to make sure that his bowling load is going up and he is 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 most difficult thing for guys is to come out of nothing and it can be a challenge for some of the players who have had an extended break and how quickly they get up to speed,” he said.

“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.