Why India made a huge mistake by leaving Ravichandran Ashwin out of WTC final against Australia
Why India made a huge mistake by letting the world’s best Test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin out of the WTC final against Australia
- India boldly chose Ravichandran Ashwin as their 12th man
- Was previously a prolific wicket-taker against Australia
- Aussies dominated the first day of the World Test Championship final
India’s puzzling decision to leave veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin out of their XI for the World Test Championship final backfired in spectacular fashion, with Australia taking control after the first day at The Oval in London.
Travis Head plundered a century off just 106 balls to finish unbeaten on 146 at stumps, with the Aussies leading at 3/327.
Steve Smith is also 95 not out, with Pat Cummins’ men poised to make an imposing first-innings score after losing the toss and being sent into battle on a green deck tipped for a quick bowlers paradise – but not bode well for spinners.
India’s decision to leave veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin out of their XI for the World Test Championship final backfired in spectacular fashion on the first day of the match against Australia
Travis Head plundered a century off just 106 balls to finish unbeaten on 146 at stumps at London’s The Oval
But the glaring omission of 36-year-old Ashwin, so often Australia’s commander-in-chief, has been a major point of contention.
India’s pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, looked tired and it was left to all-rounder Ravi Jadeja to lighten their bowling load.
To make matters worse, the wicket – although difficult to play on early in the match – soon settled down and became predictable, according to Australian commentator Ricky Ponting.
“All life is gone from this wicket,” he said in Channel Seven’s coverage.
“It is always a very difficult decision to drop such a champion bowler,” admitted Paras Mhambrey, India’s bowling coach.
“But looking at the (cool) conditions in the morning, I thought it would certainly be helpful to have an extra flare – and it has worked in the past.
Australia’s champion batsman Steve Smith also looked ominous and was 95 not out at the end of the game
“If you look at the previous games we’ve played – the last test game we went in with four players, which worked really well.
‘In hindsight you can always say that an extra spinner would have been different.’
Despite Head and Smith’s 251-run partnership, Mhambrey remains adamant the Indians can bounce back and win the Test.
‘Yes, why not? With the second new ball, we saw that the ball got a little seam, it was cut,” he said.
“The next session will be important for us. If we take a few wickets quickly, we certainly have a chance to get back into the game.’
The game continues from 7.30pm on Thursday (AEST).