“Live updates from Day 2 of Ind vs Aus, WTC 2023 Finals: Insightful Analysis by Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting”

Ind vs Aus Day 2, WTC 2023 Final: Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting criticize India’s decision to drop R Ashwin

The ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. On Day 1, Australia dominated the game, with India’s bowlers struggling at The Oval. The Indian team’s decision to drop R Ashwin, a world-class off-spinner, had many pundits scratching their heads.

The criticism of India’s decision

Former Australian cricketers and commentators Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting were among those who criticized India’s decision to exclude R Ashwin from the playing eleven. Hayden, a prolific opener in his playing days, called Ashwin’s omission a “mistake.” He felt that Ashwin’s ability to pick up wickets and contain runs could have made a significant difference on Day 1. Ponting, a former Australian captain, agreed with Hayden’s assessment and called Ashwin’s absence “surprising.”

There were plenty of other voices that expressed disappointment at India’s decision to bench Ashwin. Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and now a commentator, said that not playing Ashwin in a Test match is “criminal.” He also acknowledged that the Indian team management may have had their reasons for leaving Ashwin out but felt that the spinner’s absence made India’s bowling attack look one-dimensional.

The philosophy behind team selection

The decision to exclude a talented player like R Ashwin raises questions about the philosophy behind team selection. In professional sport, coaches and managers must strive to put the best possible team on the field. While strategy and tactics play a role, ultimately, the selection of players should be based on their abilities and potential contribution to the team’s success. When it comes to Test cricket, where matches can last up to five days, it is crucial to have a well-rounded squad that can adapt to different conditions and situations.

One could argue that India’s decision to leave out Ashwin was a tactical one. Perhaps the team’s think-tank felt that the Oval pitch would be unsuitable for spin bowling or that they needed an extra batsman to shore up the batting lineup. However, from a philosophical standpoint, the emphasis should be on selecting players who can perform on any terrain and against any opposition.

The way forward for India

The World Test Championship final is a high-stakes affair, and every decision counts. While India’s decision to leave out R Ashwin may have been debatable, the team must now focus on the remainder of the match. They still have excellent bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishant Sharma, who can turn the game around for India.

India’s batting lineup, too, is formidable, with players like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma capable of scoring big runs. If they can weather the storm on Day 2 and put up a decent total in their first innings, India can still turn the tables on Australia.

Conclusion

In professional sport, the best team should always be selected based on ability and potential contribution to the team’s success. The decision to exclude a player as talented as R Ashwin raises questions about the philosophy behind team selection. While India’s decision may have been debatable, the team now needs to focus on the remainder of the match and take it one session at a time.