Waugh additionally believes that India made a mistake by not together with Ravichandran Ashwin, the top-ranked Take a look at bowler, on a difficult pitch.
This criticism follows earlier feedback from Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Sanjay Manjrekar, expressing shock over Ashwin’s omission.
Waugh drew a parallel to Australia’s error within the fifth Take a look at at The Oval in 2019 after they opted to bowl first, leading to a 145-run victory for England.
The staff choice debate highlights the significance of creating strategic choices in essential matches.
“We made the identical blunder 4 years in the past within the Ashes. The Oval is at all times tough,” Waugh was quoted as saying by AAP.
“It appears to be like inexperienced on high however beneath it’s crumbly and a bit dry. You will get lulled into the overcast sky and inexperienced pitch and assume it’s going to do the whole lot. As quickly because the solar comes out it’s completely totally different and dries out shortly.
“I do assume (India) have picked the incorrect facet. Spin will play an enormous half on this Take a look at match and it’s going to be up and down.”
Waugh added that he would have picked Ashwin for his batting, not to mention his bowling.
“I’d have picked Ashwin for his batting, not to mention his bowling. That’s the reason I am unable to imagine he is not enjoying as a result of he has bought 5 Take a look at centuries as nicely. It is vitally unusual.”
India’s main wicket-taker within the 2021-2023 WTC cycle, Ashwin misplaced out to Ravindra Jadeja, who’s enjoying as the one spinner within the staff.
The Indian staff mentioned Ashwin was not thought-about for choice within the enjoying XI owing to the circumstances on the Oval.
Batting first, Australia put up 469 after centuries by Steve Smith and Travis Head after which had India in bother at 151 for 5 at stumps on the second day.
Ashwin has 474 Take a look at wickets and will have requested some probing inquiries to the Australian batters, particularly the left-handers, together with his variations on a pitch that was additionally providing variable bounce.
(With PTI inputs)
