Ian Bishop Names The 5-Man Bowling Attack India Should Field In WTC Final; Picks Both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin In His Side

Former West Indies speedster Ian Bishop has opines that India should pick both spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in their eleven for the WTC final against New Zealand from June 18 in Southampton.

The reason Ian Bishop states for the inclusion of both the spin-bowling all-rounders, despite conditions in England favourable to pacers, is that both Jadeja and Ashwin offer immense batting depth to the side.

There is no question over their bowling potency, irrespective of the surface, however, their batting has levelled up in recent times; Ashwin played a couple of great innings in Sydney and in Chennai against Australia and England respectively, while Jadeja has been in supreme batting form in the past couple of years across formats.

“I am going for the two spinners. Jadeja bats, Ashwin bats, and they are both excellent bowlers and in good form as well. So the balance of the attack for me will be three seamers and those two spinners,” Ian Bishop said during a press conference organized by STAR Sports.

Ian Bishop picks the experienced pace-bowling trio omitting Mohammed Siraj

Ian Bishop, who is now a highly-respected commentator, has tilted toward the experienced pace bowling trio of Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, and takes the hard decision of excluding Mohammed Siraj, despite the youngster’s terrific start to his Test career in Australia, where he returned as India’s leading wicket-taker, including a five-for in Brisbane.

“I have high regard for Jasprit Bumrah. His skill set has been pretty good; he has performed before. Ishant Sharma has a lot of experience, having had a couple of tours of active duty in England. He has played county cricket there.

“So, as the elder statesman, Ishant Sharma is in there for me. Of course, Siraj bowled so well in Australia, but Shami’s experience, seam position… If he is fit and in good rhythm, I am going with him as well,” the 53-year-old former paceman elucidated.

Also Read: Australia Shortlist 18 Members For The West Indies And Bangladesh Tours; Big Names To Skip The Series