‘India could have named a fast-bowling all-rounder’ – Amit Mishra on India’s combination in the WTC final against New Zealand

Amit Mishra believes India should have included one more pacer or a fast-bowling all-rounder in the squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against New Zealand in Southampton. India have named two spinners in the eleven and went with Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami as far as pace bowling is concerned.

There was a debate whether India should have gone ahead with Mohammed Siraj or Shardul Thakur, the latter being more equipped with the bat too, but Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri went with Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja instead.

The WTC Final got underway at the Rose Bowl, albeit rain playing a spoilsport and denying any chance of cricket on the first day. According to ICC rules India can change the playing XI before the coin toss.

With conditions likely to be overcast in the next few days, India might as well think of going with the extra pacer to make full use of it. Mishra, who plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, while speaking with JK 24X7 news, spoke about the make-up of the Indian team.

“The playing XI looks great. We have Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, two excellent spinners who can also contribute with the bat. Ashwin and Jadeja’s batting skills will help India a lot. I think India could have named a fast-bowling all-rounder in the playing XI, someone who could have bowled six-seven overs when the regular pacers are tired and the ball is swinging,” Mishra said.

Amit Mishra feels India’s batting stronger than bowling ahead of WTC Final

The leg-spinner also mentioned how New Zealand have a pace-bowling all-rounder in Colin de Grandhomme and felt the Blackcaps have an advantage in this aspect. Mishra also feels that by including two spinners in Ashwin and Jadeja, India have a lot of depth and that makes their batting look better than the bowling.

“I think India’s batting line-up is stronger than the bowling unit. If you consider the all-rounders, we bat very deep. Only the three fast bowlers do not bat. So, I feel the batting is stronger,” Mishra said.

For now, India have Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, and Wriddhiman Saha to choose from if they want to make any changes in the final playing XI.