WTC Final | 'We Have Been Debating That'- Dan Vettori On R Ashwin's Possible Selection
R Ashwin [Image- Twitter]
Former New Zealand skipper and current assistant coach of the Australian men's cricket team, Daniel Vettori has admitted that the Pat Cummins-led unit is debating over the possible inclusion of ace spinner R Ashwin in the starting XI for the upcoming WTC final.
The Aussies were spun into a tizzy by Ashwin during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but given the final is in England, the off-spinner may not even feature in the playing XI.
Ashwin featured in the WTC final against New Zealand two summers ago, but was benched for the remaining five Tests against England as the management chose to play seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur ahead of him.
Speaking to the media ahead of the marquee final, Vettori said that he feels Ashwin will miss out on selection as India will likely go with 4 seamers and a lone spinner in Jadeja unless the conditions at the Oval are spin friendly.
Here's what Dan Vettori said:
"We have been debating that. I think Jadeja will play because of the batting he brings to the table and how successful he has been at that No.6 position. Then the question will be around that fourth seamer and the all-rounder in (Shardul) Thakur and Ashwin, but they are (both) pretty good choices. Ashwin is an incredible bowler and he will be first choice in most teams, and just with their combinations it may lead to that (him missing selection).''
The last time India played at the Oval, Ashwin's replacement, Shardul, played a starring role with both bat and ball to script a memorable win for the tourists.
The WTC final will take place at the same venue between June 07-11.
 "Yash Mittal")
