Even before the first delivery of the ICC World Test Championship Final was bowled, India was behind the eight ball. The team looked up to the sky before the toss, saw the dark clouds, and decided to field.
It was an instinctive distinction without keeping in mind that things are bound to change over five days. The help for the seamers lasted all of the first session before the sun came out and the pitch started to ease up.
India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey later stated that it was the “conditions in the morning” that prompted the inclusion of a fourth pacer. This led to off-spinner R. Ashwin, the top-ranked Test bowler in the world with proven excellence, carrying drinks.
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