'Our batsmen do not want to be exposed'-Farokh Engineer's shocking statement
The second edition of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia is already underway at The Oval in London.
Crickate
At The Oval in London, the second iteration of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia has already begun. In the main event, India's captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first.
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer criticized the team's choice to bowl first. He was astonished by the decision, claiming that the Indian batters did not want to bat first in order to avoid the Australian bowling attack.
Engineer was quoted by News 18 as saying, "India winning the toss, the decision (to bowl first) is a bit surprising, but I believe it was made because our batsmen do not want to be exposed to the Australian attack on a fresh green pitch."
Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial for the Rohit Sharma-led team, according to the 85-year-old. Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill will also perform admirably, according to him.
"We are optimistic; Mohd Shami and Siraj are efficient. I believe they will be successful. It's a courageous move...He (Cheteshwar Pujara) is an indispensable member of the team. So are Virat and Shubman Gill, and our batting order is very strong. It is a very well-rounded team, he added.
It is difficult to exclude Ashwin: Rohit
Team India decided to sideline veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin due to the pitch conditions. Ravindra Jadeja was the sole spinner selected by India, while KS Bharat retained his position as wicketkeeper over Ishan Kishan.
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"It is difficult to exclude Ashwin. The India captain stated at the toss, "He has been a match-winner for us, so leaving him out is not ideal, but you have to do what is best for the team in the given conditions."
