The World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia witnessed former Australian skipper Steve Waugh expressing his discontent with India’s choice to bowl first after winning the toss on June 7 at The Oval. Waugh, a seasoned campaigner, believes that India misjudged the conditions, as he considers the pitch tricky and suggests that batting first could have been a wiser decision.
Steve Waugh, renowned for his tactical acumen, has questioned India’s decision to bowl first in the WTC final. Waugh asserts that The Oval’s pitch, which appears green on the surface, undergoes a transformation once exposed to sunlight. He suggests that the batting side gains an advantage as the pitch dries out quickly, making conditions more favorable for batting. Waugh’s observation hints at a potential error in judgment on India’s part, as they could have capitalized on the surface by opting to bat first.
Drawing from his experience, Waugh recalls a similar mistake made by Australia in the 2019 Ashes series. The former World Cup-winning captain notes the deceptive nature of The Oval’s pitch, emphasizing the crumbly and dry conditions beneath the green exterior. Waugh cautions against being swayed solely by the overcast sky and green pitch, highlighting the importance of considering the pitch’s behavior once the sun comes out. By referencing Australia’s previous blunder, Waugh aims to underscore the significance of understanding the nuances of the playing surface.
