Ashwin Prepares for First Test Match in Perth
Ravichandran Ashwin is readying to play his maiden Test in Perth this Friday (November 22), during his fifth tour of Australia. Previously, Ashwin has been overlooked twice when Indian teams played in Perth, with management favoring a four-pronged pace assault, sans success.
In the forthcoming match, Ashwin is projected to play as the sole spinner, accompanied by Nitish Kumar Reddy, likely to make his Test debut as the seam-bowling all-rounder. This shift in strategy indicates new respect earned by the veteran; previously on tour, the selectors had remained devoted to Ravindra Jadeja as the primary spin choice without the subcontinent for the past few years.
Although Ashwin's general performance record in Australia is not stellar, his 39 wicket, 42.15 average across 10 Tests has been instrumental in setting up consecutive series victories for India on his last few tours. This game will be a vital demonstration of the 38-year-old's world-class skills on a pitch favorable to Nathan Lyon as well as Australia's fast bowlers.
Since the Adelaide Test of 2018, Ashwin has only participated in 10 Test matches outside the subcontinent or the Caribbean, often alongside Jadeja, or in his absence.
Forgoing his press conference on Wednesday (November 20), Ashwin opted for a net practice session, followed by discussion with curator, Isaac McDonald. He also spent some time batting. During Thursday's practice, he was the last to depart the Optus Stadium after inspecting the pitch with his trusted team analyst, Hari.
The last time India played a Test at this venue, Ashwin was overlooked, despite demonstrating exceptional bowling skills in the victorious Adelaide match. With Umesh Yadav's lack of control on this surface, India turned towards Hanuma Vihari's competent part-time off-spin.
Ashwin's participation may also result in his promotion in the batting order unless Reddy is selected for No 7. It will be intriguing to see how Ashwin copes under a bowling captain for the first time in his cricketing career, with Jasprit Bumrah taking the lead.
