R Ashwin or Ravindra Jajdeja? Aaron Finch wants Rohit Sharma to pick this spinner for WTC final

The much-awaited World Test Championship final 2023 between India and Australia is round the corner, scheduled to take place from June 7 at The Oval in London. Both the teams are currently finalizing their preparations and determining the optimum team composition for the final showdown. India, in particular, are facing the daunting decision of selecting their playing XI for a crucial encounter with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur missing.

‘Rivalries bring out the best in both the teams’ – Aaron Finch

In the battle for supremacy, @aaronfinch5 weighs on @imVkohli , @SteveSmith49 bump into #WTCFinals, ,

in tune #WTCFinalOnStar
June 7-11 | From 2 pm | Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar#believe pic.twitter.com/1HC0iDjiWG– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2023

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch believes that picking Ashwin over Jadeja will benefit Australia as the off-spinner’s deliveries are more likely to create rough patches on the pitch. These areas can be used by Nathan Lyon during the later stages of the game. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will also contribute to Lyon’s effectiveness by creating a footmark.

Finch said on Star Sports, “If they pick Ashwin, it will help them, Jadeja bowling in the middle of the wicket might not make that much difference. So, maybe a slight advantage (for Australia in the WTC final), But maybe just.”

Discussing the nature of the pitch, Finch noted that The Oval’s wicket dries up and exhibits spin towards the end of the game. As a result, he expressed a preference to bat first when the surface looked good. He said, “The Oval wicket can be flat on the third and fourth day, but can dry out and turn around towards the end of the game. I think if it is a good looking surface then I will bat first. So, I don’t Seems you need to overcomplicate it. I am sure Pat Cummins doesn’t overcomplicate much and neither does Rohit Sharma.”

It is worth noting that this will be India’s second consecutive appearance in the WTC final, after losing to New Zealand by 8 wickets in the inaugural edition in 2021. Australia, on the other hand, will be making their first finals appearance after finishing third. In the first cycle during 2019-21. As a result, both the teams are keen to compete fiercely for the coveted trophy.

India have the upper hand against Australia, having won the last four series contested between the two teams. However, with India battling injuries to key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, Australia enter the contest as favourites.