Ricky Ponting: I think India will pick Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has suggested India name two specialist spinners in the XI for this week's World Test Championship final at The Oval, England.
Image credit: Getty Images Ravindra Jadeja.India have spinners Ravchandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad. Whether one or both are named in the XI for the final in London remains in the balance.
"I actually think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin," Ponting said on The ICC Review.
"Jadeja can hold down that number six batting spot. His batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter that might just bowl a few overs if required.
'There is no doubt that Ashwin is a more skilled and better Test bowler than what Jadeja is.
"But if Jadeja can hold down that batting spot, and then as the game goes on getting into the fourth and fifth day, if it does start to turn, then you've got that really high-class second spin-bowling option. That's certainly what I'd be doing."
Ponting was the head coach of the Delhi Capitals in the 2023 Indian Premier League. He worked alongside Delhi captain David Warner, who will open the batting for Australia in the WTC final.
"I judge spin on what Indian sub-continental batsmen normally talk about when they talk about facing spin bowling," added Ponting.
New Zealand are the reigning World Test Championship title holders.