Wasim Jaffer Advocates For Ravichandran Ashwin's Inclusion In Adelaide Test

Wasim Jaffer Advocates For Ravichandran Ashwin’s Inclusion In Adelaide Test

By CricShots - Dec 5, 2024 6:52 pm

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Adelaide Oval has sparked debates over India’s playing XI, with former cricketer Wasim Jaffer advocating for the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin. Jaffer believes Ashwin’s experience and skill could be pivotal in the day-night clash against Australia. In the series opener in Perth, India opted for Washington Sundar over Ashwin, leaving the seasoned spinner on the sidelines.

However, the conditions in Adelaide might favour spin as the game progresses. The venue’s pitch curator, Damian Hough, highlighted spin’s significance in Adelaide, remarking, “Spin always plays a role in Adelaide. You need to pick a frontline spinner. So, there should never be a question of do we, don’t we? It should always be.”

Ashwin’s record at Adelaide strengthens his case for selection. The veteran off-spinner has taken 16 wickets in three matches at an average of 30.44 at this venue. Notably, he is India’s leading wicket-taker with the pink ball, having scalped 18 wickets.

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Wasim Jaffer, taking to X (formerly Twitter), voiced his support for Ashwin: “I want India to play Ashwin. Spin always plays a part in the D/N Test. Ash has done well there before. Washi hasn’t done anything wrong, but with Rohit and Gill back to bolster the batting, play your best spinner. And Ashwin is more than handy with the bat too.”

I want India to play Ashwin. Spin always plays a part in D/N Test, Ash has done well there before. Washi hasn’t done anything wrong but with Rohit & Gill back to bolster the batting, play your best spinner is what I think. And Ashwin is more than handy with the bat too. #AUSvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 5, 2024

The return of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill strengthens India’s batting depth, allowing them to field their premier spinner without weakening the line-up. Meanwhile, Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who has an impressive 63 wickets in 13 pink-ball Tests at an average of 25.27, has also underlined how the Adelaide surface makes spinners a potent threat.