Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to come at the fore for India in and against Australia in the first Test match in Perth. With the conditions on the pitch likely to be favorable for pacers, having only one spinner might be unusual. What may not be appreciated, however, is Ashwin’s inclusion as a tactical move by the Indian team management because most of the Australians are left handers.
A Tactical Move
A large proportion of the Australians batting order comprising Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey comprise left handers. Ashwin, who is known for his invincible turn and bounce over the surface due to the turning mat, has successfully ventured on the dismissal of left arm batsmen. His experience and ability related aspects makes him an important component for India, particularly during the said pitch when the game will be prolonged.
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He Tests You of Skill, But More of Endurance
If the words of several who have played in Australia come to fruition, the Indian spinners including Ashwin have been said to be outworked through pace. It, however, adds an extra dimension to the spin of the Indian attack. If India’s players should be successful, it will be through Ashwin’s pressure with a persistent wicket taking edge. For Ashwin, it will be the key challenge for him to maintain the rhythm over a period of time so as to stay ordered under the heat.
Chequing Piece
The Indian team management faces a tough problem in picking the right combination of pace and spin. There are many quality fast bowlers and it is very brave to have only Ashwin in this set up. But since Australia has a number of left handed batting units, his selection could be strategically beneficial.
Good Old Days
Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as a head coach has changed the course for Indian cricket. Even the team selection reflects this new ethos where there is so much emphasis on match-ups and adding tactics. This inclusion of Ashwin in the team for the Perth Test is further proof of this.
As the Teams prepare for the First Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there will be expectations from Ravichandran Ashwin. Will he be able to spin the game in India’s favour on a tough Perth pitch? A wait until the game is played will confirm all such statements. The selectors have proved to have a very good eye in bringing in Ashwin into the team. He has lived up to the expectations well on Australian soil and if he can find some bounce and turn from the pitch, it could be crucial. As long as he is able to challenge the Australians with his bowling, India should be able to win the match quite comfortably.
