Ravi Chandran Ashwin is poised to make his debut in a Test match in Perth
Ravichandran Ashwin is set to play his first Test in Perth on Friday (November 22) during his fifth tour of Australia.
The record-breaking off-spinner was overlooked during both of India’s previous visits to the city, with successive team managements opting for four-pronged pace attacks, which yielded no success.
Ashwin is expected to play as the sole spinner, with Nitish Kumar Reddy in line to make his Test debut as the seam-bowling all-rounder.
This marks a shift in approach towards the veteran spinner, with previous selectors sticking with Ravindra Jadeja as the first-choice spin option for the past 3-4 years, especially outside the subcontinent.
While Ashwin’s overall record in Australia may not be the most impressive, with an average of 42.15 from 39 wickets across 10 Tests, his performances in recent tours have been crucial in India’s series wins.
His inclusion is a clear vote of confidence in his world-class skills, especially on a pitch that has historically suited Nathan Lyon and the Australian pacers.
Ashwin has only played 10 Tests outside the subcontinent or the Caribbean since the Adelaide Test of 2018, usually alongside Jadeja or in the absence of the left-arm spinner due to injury.
Ashwin missed the scheduled press conference on Wednesday (November 20) to instead focus on preparing for the Test.
He spent time in the nets, consulted curator Isaac McDonald, and later spoke with team analyst Hari while analyzing the pitch.
On Thursday, Ashwin was the last to leave Optus Stadium, continuing his pitch analysis ahead of the match.
The last time India played a Test at Optus Stadium, during the inaugural match at the venue in 2018, Ashwin was left out in favor of a fourth fast bowler, despite his excellent performance in Adelaide, where India won.
Umesh Yadav failed to provide the control needed on that surface, forcing India to turn to Hanuma Vihari’s part-time off-spin for 14 overs in each innings.
Ashwin’s inclusion could also lead to a promotion in the batting order unless Reddy is selected for the No. 7 position.
It will be interesting to see how Ashwin performs under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership, marking the first time in his career that he will play under a bowling captain.
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