Ashes 2023: "Australia Go In The Second Test, Definitely Being The Favorites To Win This Ashes" - Ravichandran Ashwin

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his opinion that England’s declaration on Day 1 of the first Test in the ongoing Ashes series backfired for them. Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the England team will now think twice before declaring the innings in upcoming matches.

The Ben Stokes-led team were aggressive with both bat and ball throughout the match. Ben Stokes made the decision to declare their first innings for 393 runs. Joe Root was at the crease with an unbeaten 118 runs and added a 43-run partnership with Ollie Robinson for the ninth wicket.

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Surely, They Will Think Twice – Ravichandran Ashwin

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Australia will start as favourites in the second Test of the series.

“Now, England might get a small doubt in their mind, but I don’t think they will change because it’s been only one Test. Next time, when England declare, surely, they will think twice,” Ashwin said.

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“In Test cricket, whatever you do upfront will come back to bite you or benefit you. It might have put a bit of doubt to England [camp] and belief in Australia’s dressing room. Australia go in the second Test, definitely being the favorites to win this Ashes,” he added.

England will take on the Pat Cummins-led team in the second Test of the five-match series at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London starting on June 28.

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Joe Root Batting In GOD Mode – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin praised his Rajasthan Royals teammate Joe Root for his batting performance in the Ashes opener. He believes that Bazball was the reason for Joe Root’s dismissal in the match.

“Everybody in England played in high tempo. What caught my eye, though, was Joe Root batting in GOD mode. He never looked like getting out. He got out in the name of Bazball going for his shots,” he further stated.

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Lyon Exploited It Beautifully – Ravichandran Ashwin

The 36-year-old said that Nathan Lyon picked up more wickets than he deserved in the series opener due to England’s Bazball approach.

“In a Bazball contest like this, the role of a spinner becomes very crucial. That’s why a top-quality spinner like Nathan Lyon picked eight wickets,” he continued.

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“Had England not played Bazball, maybe Lyon could have ended up with 4-5 wickets at a better economy of 2.5. Because of Bazball, he’s picked eight at 4.5. He bowled really well. In Edgbaston, the ball always spins. Spin with bounce. So, Lyon exploited it beautifully and bowled very well,” he concluded.

Lyon picked up eight wickets in the match and conceded 229 runs at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The off-spinner took four wickets each in the two innings of the match.

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