WTC Final 2023: With the World Test Championship final against Australia just a week away, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed his opinion on whether India should have the duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in their playing XI. While taking to the ICC Review Podcast, Ponting said, “I think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin because Jadeja can hold that No. 6 batting spot. His (Jadeja) batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter now who might just bowl a few overs if required”.
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Ponting then explained the reason behind his view.
“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 have got that really high-class second spin bowling option if required,” he explained.
Having played a host of Ashes games at the Oval during his playing days, Ponting expects a lot of turn on offer.
“Historically, the Oval pitch has been a very good batting wicket. It’s generally offered something for the fast bowlers on day one, not a lot. But I have also played some games there where it has turned a lot. If it starts a little bit dry, it can turn a lot.”
Ponting on picking Ishan Kishan over KS Bharat
With no Rishabh Pant available for this game, Ponting feels Ishan Kishan with superior batting skills, should get a go.
“If I was them [India], knowing the importance of this game – and you have to win this Test match – I’d be going with Ishan Kishan in this game,” Ponting said.
“He provides that little bit of X-factor that you need when you might be pushing for a win in a Test match. Obviously, if Rishabh Pant is fit, he is playing, and he provides that X-factor for India.
“But with him not being there, and this is no blot on Bharat whatsoever, but I think Kishan just provides that little bit more X-factor, who’d do a good job with the gloves, but can provide that really high-scoring run rate that is required in a one-off Test match to push for a win.”
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