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Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad talked about the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. He believes that it’ll be a fascinating World Cup trial.
Indian Cricket Team surprised many when they named the squad for a three-match ODI series for Australia. While the rest of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli raised many eyeballs, another thing that caught the attention of many was the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the team.
Captain Rohit Sharma said that the off-spinner brings in lots of experience with him and three games will give them the answer where he stands as he’s in their mind for the ICC World Cup 2023. This gives a clear indication the veteran spinner is very much in contention for the tournament, especially with India having no off-spinner in the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin will be making a return to the ODI side after 21 long months. The off-spinner last played in the game against South Africa in 2022. With a series against Australia just a couple of days away, he also featured in the local game in Tamil Nadu to get into the groove.
MSK Prasad said that Ravichandran Ashwin should’ve been in the scheme of things ever since India started preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023. He also pointed out that no matter how the off-spinner performs in the first two games, if Axar Patel is fit he will be there for the last match. He said (as quoted by PTI):
‘‘I think Ashwin will be slightly ahead now that a bowler of his stature has been called into the mix. I have always felt that Ashwin should have been in the mix from the time the team got into the ODI World Cup mode.
“Look, let us hope that Axar is fit for the final ODI in Rajkot. Because if he is fit, however well Ashwin or Washy bowl, it will be Axar who will retain his place. If he has been your pick ahead of these two, then you have to have him if he is good to go.”
This is one of the most fascinating World Cup trials – MSK Prasad on the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin for Australia series
MSK Prasad further said that Ravichandran Ashwin holds an edge if India are looking at spin options. He highlighted how important he can be on Chennai’s surface against Australian batters. He added:
“But this is one of the most fascinating World Cup trials that you will get (to see). Question is: if they are looking at a 50-50 batting-bowling option then it is Washy. But if they are looking at a purely spin bowling option, then Ash holds an edge as far as I am concerned.
”I believe some of the tracks will offer help for spinners. In Chennai, think about Ashwin’s possible match-up against Steve Smith or a left-hander like David Warner. Yes, his successes came in the red ball (cricket) but just think about the possibilities.”
Ravichandran Ashwin has played 113 ODIs and in those games, he has taken 151 wickets at an economy of below 5 and an average of 33.5. Apart from this, he’s also a handy batter down the order as he has scored 707 runs in 63 innings.
The three-match ODI series against Australia will begin on 22nd September followed by the last two games to be played on 24th and 27th September respectively.
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