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With the World Test Championship final slated to take place between the 7 to 11 June. Both sides, India and Australia, have hit the ground running ahead of the big clash. Dinesh Karthik who will be working as a commentator for the game, is of the opinion that India must play four fast bowlers going into the big clash. Karthik said that Ravichandran Ashwin should not be playing because the conditions in England favour the pacers.
“Leave out Ashwin and play four pacers. I enjoyed Ashwin bowling in Southampton, but – is the coach going to do the same thing again? I doubt it.” Karthik said on Cricbuzz. Ashwin has picked up 114 scalps against Australia. In England, he has picked up 18 wickets in 7 Tests. Karthik also was inclined to think that Umesh Yadav will be the third pacer along with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
“Umesh Yadav has bowled well in the nets. He is looking sharp, and feeling good body-wise. I have a strong feeling they’ll go with Umesh.”. The tearaway pacer has picked up nine wickets in two tests. Against Australia, he has picked up 51 scalps in 16 games. In the 2021 WTC final, India had played with two spinners in their playing XI with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja part of the mix.
“Oval as a ground has pitches throughout the square. Generally, on grounds, there will be only six, or seven pitches but in Oval, there are about 20 or 23. I don’t know exactly. Batting paradise. It’s like what Eden Gardens is to India. The outfield is lightning.” Karthik said talking about the conditions at the Oval. India won the last Test match that they played against England at this ground.
“The crucial factor is going to be the toss. Whoever wins the toss will look to bowl first, and on the first day, there’ll be quite a bit for the medium pacers, for the fast bowlers rather. The team that wins the toss will have a distinct advantage in this game.” The 38-year-old said. India lost their last WTC final against New Zealand which was played at Edgbaston.
