Laxman said: Jadeja at No. 7, Ashwin at No. 8′: Laxman India’s batting order
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman on Tuesday spoke about the batting order which India should follow in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. The two teams will feature in the finale and all eyes will be on Virat Kohli & co., who would be battling against a lethal New Zealand pace attack amid tough batting conditions.
Off-spinners Ashwin and Jadeja have played just one Test match together in England on their 2014 tour. Ashwin averages 32.92 with the ball in England and 25.77 with the bat while Jadeja averages 55 with bat and 42.37 with the bat.
Kohli’s men lost the two-match Test series against New Zealand in 2020, and the conditions in Southampton are expected to favor the Kiwi speedsters as well.
Both cricketers have played at least 5 Tests on the previous two tours in England in 2014 and 2018.
“As far as the bowling is concerned, it’s not just about the footmarks. Jadeja has become a versatile bowler, he has improved as a bowler, he can beat the batsman on the first day of the Test, he has improved in that aspect,” VVS Laxman said on Sports Today.
“I will definitely play both the spinners because what Ravindra Jadeja has shown in the recent past is he is not just a batsman who can play cameos but he can play big knocks, especially under pressure. I still remember the partnership. He had with Ajinkya Rahane when the chips were down in Melbourne. Unfortunately, he got injured after that.
“I think Ravindra Jadeja will perform well as a batsman at No. 7 and being a left-hander, it will give the edge in the Indian batting line-up.
R Ashwin is a top-class off-spinner. There is no doubt he is one of the greats of the game. The way in which he has consistently won matches for India, not only but home, in the recent tour of Australia. He is an example of his ability overseas. The way he restricted the run flow of the Australian batsmen. The way he set Steve Smith out and got him out quite consistently shows he is high on confidence,” Laxman said.
India will take on New Zealand in the WTC Final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18.