Waugh latest to question India’s WTC blunders

Joel Gould and Scott Bailey | June 9, 2023

Steve Waugh says India have made two major blunders by electing to bowl first and leaving out Ravichandran Ashwin in the World Test Championship final against Australia.

The former Test captain said he would have selected Ashwin for his batting, let alone his bowling mastery, as the Test at The Oval heads into its third day.

Australia made 469 batting first as India’s bowlers, including a four-pronged pace attack, struggled for control.

Indian staff have since conceded their bowlers were ill-disciplined and failed to enact short-pitched tactics early enough to properly trouble Travis Head, who was eventually dismissed for 163 on Thursday. 

Ashwin has 474 Test wickets and his skill at dismissing left-handers, of which Australia has five, is legendary.

He has also taken 114 wickets at 28.36 against Australia, the most of any spinner in history.

Nathan Lyon dismissed Indian left-hander Ravindra Jadeja late on the second day with a turner that showcased the kind of challenge Ashwin might have posed.

A top-ranked bowler, Ashwin also has five Test centuries to his name.

Waugh recalled how Australia made a similar error in the fifth Test at The Oval in 2019, in a match England won by 145 runs after then-captain Tim Paine elected to bowl.

“We made the same blunder four years ago in the Ashes. The Oval is always tricky,” Waugh said.

“It looks green on top but underneath it is crumbly and a bit dry. 

“You can get lulled into the overcast sky and green pitch and think it is going to do everything.

“As soon as the sun comes out it is totally different and dries out quickly.

“I do think (India) have picked the wrong side. Spin will play a big part in this Test match and it is going to be up and down.

“I would have picked Ashwin for his batting, let alone his bowling. That is why I can’t believe he isn’t playing because he has got five Test centuries as well. It is very strange.”

Waugh’s comments came after fellow former Test captain Ricky Ponting was also critical of the selection call.

Ex-spinner Brad Hogg agreed with the pair’s assessment and said he could not believe the world’s No.1 bowler Ashwin was running the drinks.

“India made a decision and whatever the wicket was like they should have played Ashwin anyway,” Hogg said.

“They have just come off an IPL and have got four fast bowlers out there that haven’t bowled long spells. 

“So Ashwin and Jadeja could have held up one end and taken a lot of pressure off the fast bowlers at the other end when they were low on fuel.”