WTC Final 2023: Steve Waugh destroys Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma for ‘hard to believe’ decision

India and Australia are locking horns in the Final at the Oval and at the end of 3rd day, the Australian side has a considerable advantage. They lead by 296 runs with six wickets in hand, and looking likely to win their maiden WTC title.

Amid India’s problems, their team selection has been criticised over the past couple of days. The Indian team management decided to opt for four seamers and a solitary spinner in the team. They left out no. 1 ranked Test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin and instead went with the third seamer in Umesh Yadav.

While Umesh Yadav has largely disappointed with the ball, the pitch, which was green on the first day, has started to change and become spin-friendly since Friday (June 9).

After the last WTC final, when others were enjoying the break before the England test series, Ashwin actually played one county game for Surrey. And on his debut for them, Ashwin actually opened the bowling in the second innings and did this at the Oval.pic.twitter.com/yOZWvOA0YL

— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) June 6, 2023

India’s Ravindra Jadeja extracted decent purchase yesterday and it only promises to provide more assistance for spinners in the final two days.

Steve Waugh, the former Australian skipper was left baffled by India’s decision to omit Ashwin and had a massive dig at India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. Waugh insists he would have picked up Ashwin just for his batting, even without considering the lethality the off-spinner possesses with the ball.

“I would have picked Ashwin in the playing XI only for his batting, let alone his bowling. I find it hard to believe that a player with five Test centuries has been left out,” Waugh said.

Ashwin, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in this WTC cycle, would have been extremely useful for the side but it won’t be due to their selection choices.

“The pitch looks green on top, but underneath, it is dry, and the spinners will play a big part in the coming days. India have definitely picked the wrong side,” he added.

Australia have a mammoth lead of 296 on a deteriorating wicket at the Oval. If they can post somewhere around 400 runs, it will be hugely difficult for India to survive around four or more sessions in the penultimate days of the WTC Final.