Team India is set to square off against New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship from June 18 to 22. India’s bowling attack looks a solid one as it has as many as six pacers and four spin-bowling all-rounders. Since India have a 10-man bowling attack for the series, skipper Virat Kohli will face the problem of plenty.
In the spin department, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja look a likely selection in the majority of the matches. But the duo will compete for one spot if the team management decides to go with one spinner. While Jadeja has an edge over Ashwin when it comes to batting, the latter’s bowling skills are unmatchable.
So who will India pick? As per West Indies legend Michael Holding, it would be Ashwin who will get the nod if India include one spinner. Speaking to The Telegraph, Holding, who is doing the commentary in the UK, picked Ashwin as the sole spinner in the playing XI.
“Obviously, conditions will play a role. But the bowling attack India have, it will help them even if conditions remain bright. And if it’s sunny throughout, they can even afford to play two spinners. They have that advantage,” Holding told The Telegraph.
“Even if conditions are damp, I still think India will include one spinner, which could be (Ravichandran) Ashwin as he can contribute well with his batting too. The pitch there (at the Ageas Bowl) does offer turn for spinners, which will be to India’s liking.”
Ashwin was preferred over Jadeja in four out of five Test matches that India played in England in 2018. And Jadeja only got to play the 5th Test after Ashwin was ruled out.
On the New Zealand tour in 2020, both Ashwin and Jadeja played a Test match each. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21, Ashwin played first 3 Tests before being ruled out of the 4th fixture. Jadeja was benched for the pink-ball Test and played 2 Test matches before being ruled out due to a thumb injury. As far as the pace department goes, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami look for a confirmed selection for the WTC final.
