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Waugh also believes that India made a mistake by not including Ravichandran Ashwin, the top-ranked Test bowler, on a challenging pitch.
This criticism follows earlier comments from Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Sanjay Manjrekar, expressing surprise over Ashwin’s omission.
Waugh drew a parallel to Australia’s error in the fifth Test at The Oval in 2019 when they opted to bowl first, resulting in a 145-run victory for England.
The team selection debate highlights the importance of making strategic decisions in crucial matches.
“We made the same blunder four years ago in the Ashes. The Oval is always tricky,” Waugh was quoted as saying by AAP.
“It looks green on top but underneath it is crumbly and a bit dry. You can get lulled into the overcast sky and green pitch and think it is going to do everything. As soon as the sun comes out it is totally different and dries out quickly.
“I do think (India) have picked the wrong side. Spin will play a big part in this Test match and it is going to be up and down.”
Waugh added that he would have picked Ashwin for his batting, let alone his bowling.
“I would have picked Ashwin for his batting, let alone his bowling. That is why I can’t believe he isn’t playing because he has got five Test centuries as well. It is very strange.”
India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2021-2023 WTC cycle, Ashwin lost out to Ravindra Jadeja, who is playing as the only spinner in the team.
The Indian team said Ashwin was not considered for selection in the playing XI owing to the conditions at the Oval.
Batting first, Australia put up 469 after centuries by Steve Smith and Travis Head and then had India in trouble at 151 for five at stumps on the second day.
Ashwin has 474 Test wickets and could have asked some probing questions to the Australian batters, especially the left-handers, with his variations on a pitch that was also offering variable bounce.
(With PTI inputs)
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