The Indian Cricket team have finalized their spot in the World Test Championship, where they will play against Australia at the Oval, London later this year. However many cricketer analyst and former cricketers which also includes former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson have indulged themselves in building the playing elevens.
Watson strong believes that with India missing Jasprit Bumrah for the WTF final, the return of Hardik Pandya to the longest format of the game may be a possibility. Howeve Pandya has opened up on his possible test comeback and feels that he isn’t there yet.
On the sidelines of Legends League Cricket, Watson shared his thoughts on Hardik Pandya and how he would be an edge for India at the Oval with his ability to swing the ball and also bat like a proper middle order batter.
Hardik has been away from the Indian test setup since 2018 following his struggle with back injury. The back innury also hindered his growth and forced him to miss all tournaments for six months before he made a strong comeback last year.
“If his body can handle the rigours of Test cricket then absolutely. He has got incredible skills even with his batting alone,” Watson had said. “Bowling wise, if he is fit he charges in and he has got great skill. He can swing the brand new ball away and he would provide a huge impact for the Indian Test team.”
Watson, who also had his fair share of injuries understands what it can be for a player. Hence he highlights how it all depends on Hardik’s body. But he would love to see him as an all-format all-rounder.
“For me it eventually comes down to his body and whether it can handle the rigours of playing Test cricket as a fast-bowling all-rounder. I would love to see him push the limits as an all-rounder and cricketer when it comes to playing all formats of the game because he is one of the special talents in world cricket,” Watson concluded.
Hardik Pandya is now focused on India’s three-match ODI series against Australia, where he will be leading he team in the first match in Rohit Sharma’s absence. Ahead of the series, he opened up on his potential return to the Test setup. Although he did not say a clear no to the format, he highlighted that he is someone who believe sin earning the spot rather than taking someone else’s place.
“No. I am ethically very strong person. I haven’t done 10% to reach there. I am not even a part of 1%. So me coming there and taking someone’s place will ethically not go well. If I want to play Test cricket, I’ll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason I will not be available for the WTC final or future test series until I feel that I have earned my spot,” Pandya replied.
India will be keen to dominate the Aussies and win the ODI series just like they defeated them in the Test series. With the World Cup in mind, it will be a very important clash between two favourites.
