Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes Australian pace attack makes them favourites to win their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final but he wants Rohit Sharma-led side to beat them ahead of Ashes 2023.
"It's a tricky one to answer who are the early favorites. I think Australia's pace attack makes them favorites if they bowl first. However, the wicket at this time of the year should be very good. It tends to be pretty flat, pretty quick, and maybe a bit of a grass covering, and their seamers might exploit that early on," Swann said in the WTC final preview on Jio Cinema.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has kept the playing XI under the wraps. Former cricketers have been divided whether India should go with two spinners or include an extra pacer in the side. With five left-handed batters in Australian lineup, Ashwin is likely to play a big role. On the other hand, seaming conditions may tempt them into playing an extra seamer.
"Having said that, India have got some brilliant seam bowlers as well. So I think it's a tricky one to answer. My prediction for the game is this - I am an Englishman, I would love to see India beat Australia, please," the 44-year-old said.
Swann was also asked about the nature of Kennington Oval pitch. He compared it to Wankhede pitch and the need to have close-in fielders at catching position when spinners are operating.
"The best thing about bowling at The Oval is the bounce. It's almost like the red-soil pitches at the Wankhede. Later on in the game, it can really bounce, brings in your silly point and short-leg fielders. So the spinners, if they stay in the game, you have to have a lot of runs to defend in the last innings. It's a great place to bowl spin," he shared his experience.
Similar to Swann, former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also said that spinners will come in to play at the Oval as the match progresses. Tendulkar feels India will be happy at the venue chosen for WTC final.
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