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'I Actually Think They Will...': Ponting Speaks on Jadeja vs Ashwin Dilemma

image-liij09buAshwin and Jadeja [Twitter]

According to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Team India is likely to include both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in their playing XI for the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia starting Wednesday at The Oval in London.

The composition of the Indian team hangs in the balance, with the crucial question of whether they will opt for a potential second spinner or not. While the conditions on offer suggest that a seamer should play but the immense value that Ashwin's experience brings to the table for this high-stakes encounter cannot be undermined.

Ponting said that both Jadeja and Ashwin will be chosen, with the former occupying the No.6 batting position due to his improved batting skills, making him a viable option as a batter who can provide occasional bowling contributions if needed.

"I actually think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin. Jadeja can hold down that No.6 batting spot. His batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter that might just bowl a few overs if required," said Ponting on ICC Review.

The legendary Australian captain further emphasized that Ashwin, undeniably, possesses superior skills and aptitude as a Test bowler when compared to Jadeja. Nonetheless, he advocated for the inclusion of Jadeja as a batsman who can fulfill the role, ensuring a high-caliber second spin bowling option as the match progresses into the fourth and fifth days if conditions start favouring spin.

"There is no doubt that Ashwin is a more skilled and better Test bowler than what Jadeja is. But if Jadeja can hold down that batting spot, and then as the game goes on getting into the fourth and fifth day, if it does start to turn, then you've got that really high-class second spin bowling option. That's certainly what I'd be doing," added the 48-year-old.

It is pertinent to mention that in their previous outings, the Men in Blue persisted with Jadeja as the sole spinner during the 2021 series draw in England and the subsequent rescheduled Test in 2022. The southpaw repaid the team’s faith by scoring a heroic century during the rescheduled fifth Test against England in Birmingham.

On the other hand, Ashwin's last appearance in England dates back to the 2018 tour. Having played seven Tests in the country, the off-spinner has grabbed 18 wickets at an average of 28.11.