*Official* World Test Championship Final at The Oval – June 7–11, 2023

[cnerd123]

I understand your position, but if Ashwin was playing India would have considered batting first in order to bowl in 4th innings, also because of having just 3 seamers. I don't think India would have survived that 1st session batting on this pitch.

And even if they had bowled first with Ashwin in the side, there's no way he would have had any impact on the game in this 1st session. He would NOT have been brought on until couple of overs before Lunch. So till now Ashwin wouldn't have been a factor. Of course if Australia barely lose wickets by tea as well as end of day, then you can bring up the exclusion of Ashwin. But at lunch, it's too soon.

I'm certain Ashwin could have bowled the exact same overs Thakur did and prove more effective

 

[Molehill]

There are bowlers out there, in all levels of cricket from schoolyard to tests, who bowl crap deliveries and not only get away with them but pick up a good lot of wickets.

Sadly, I was never one of them.

I think the key is that they're the anomaly rather than the rule!!

 

[OverratedSanity]

I'm certain Ashwin could have bowled the exact same overs Thakur did and prove more effective

He's bowled fine, Nostrils and Shami have been poor.

 

[centurymaker]

I'm certain Ashwin could have bowled the exact same overs Thakur did and prove more effective

Well, maybe. But Australia is just 2 wickets down, not due to the absence of Ashwin.
It's due to the fast bowlers not doing a better job.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

That's a beauty.
Labu played the wrong line there.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Nice. Now keep pitching it up dummy

 

[Burgey]

Too much custard tart for lunch for Marny. Good ball though

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

How will Head play it? Cautiously

 

[TimAngas]

This is getting good.

 

[Prince EWS]

How will Head play it?

Better than Wade would have, that's for sure.

 

[Burgey]

Preparing for the regulation "Can Travis Head survive the first 20 balls where he bats like Glenn McGrath before turning into a left handed peak Viv Richards?" lotto.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Smh DK now said pisses the stump instead of kisses the stump. Poor bloke is having a mare out there.

 

[Prince EWS]

Preparing for the regulation "Can Travis Head survive the first 20 balls where he bats like Glenn McGrath before turning into a left handed peak Viv Richards?" lotto.

It's funny because he was the complete opposite as a young Shield bat - always got starts but then threw them away.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

I am guessing that Shami was discussing the eventual dismissal of Labu over his lunch break...pitch it up

 

[Burgey]

Smh DK now said pisses the stump instead of kisses the stump. Poor bloke is having a mare out there.

He sounds quite the character.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

I am hearing the blaring of a conch shell.

West Indies represent!

 

[Prince EWS]

I was surprised Shami actually opened up after lunch. I was even thinking of making a post saying it was a bad idea.

 

[trundler]

Well, maybe. But Australia is just 2 wickets down, not due to the absence of Ashwin.
It's due to the fast bowlers not doing a better job.

Which is why 4 pacers is almost always overkill. Besides, Yadav isn't Jansen and this isn't Centurion.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Am I the only one who thinks the sound of someone getting bowled has gotten considerably worse now actual wooden stumps are far less common in international cricket

Not saying this because it was Australia losing a wicket, just genuinely think modern stumps have a far harsher sound to them

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Good touch on that one Heady.
Almost opened the face of it a little.