WTC Final 2023: Nasser Hussain backs India to edge Australia, advices not to repeat 2021 selection blunder

India missed out on winning the WTC title in the inaugural edition following an 8-wicket loss to New Zealand. That time India made an error in their team selection in overcast conditions at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

So, Hussain feels India should learn from their past mistakes and not think twice before leaving one of their premier spinners out of the playing XI for WTC Final 2023 if the conditions demand.

The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t make much of an impact two years ago when India lost to New Zealand, but the pair have been backed to feature in the same team by many experts including Hussain, but if only the weather permits the same.

Hussain, who backed India to beat Australia, feels Rohit Sharma’s side can play to their strength of two spinners in the 11 if the weather is good and sun shines at The Oval.

“I think India, as they showed in Australia, can win in any conditions,” Hussain said on The ICC Review. “It helps with the balance of their side if the weather is good and if the sun shines at The Oval, that they can go with their formula of two spinners, two seamers, and have (Shardul) Thakur as your third seamer.”

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According to Hussain, India made the blunder of reading the conditions wrong the last time and shouldn’t repeat the mistake this time as they eye their maiden ICC title in 10 years.

“If you look back at the last World Test Championship, I think India read the conditions wrong. The lights were on all five days, it was grey, it was miserable, it was cold,” Hussain added.

“New Zealand didn’t play a front-line spinner. India played two, and I think seam dominated, swing dominated. India have played some good cricket at The Oval. They beat England there last time in a really good game. I think it’s a pretty fair venue.”

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While there is talk of playing the two spinners in the 11 to strengthen their bowling attack, Hussain feels the spin duo offers India batting depth but made it clear going with the two might not be the best option if conditions are rainy and wet.

“I would go Jadeja and Ashwin, (for) batting depth. Then you can bat all the way down. Then you can play your best seamers,” the 55-year-old former batter said.

“Jadeja bowled beautifully there against England last time. He held up an end. He got it reverse swinging for them because he hits the scuffy side of the ball as well when he bowls.

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“But what they mustn’t do if it’s rainy and wet and damp and the lights are on and it’s green, then they have to change the balance of their side, which they didn’t do for the World Test Championship last time.

“I would really look at those conditions the day before and on that first morning and not be wary of leaving one of your legends out if conditions demand that. But great bowlers are usually great bowlers in all conditions.”