AUS vs ENG: "Australia Lost The Plot In Last Three Test Matches By Playing Slowly"- Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin looked back at the recently concluded Ashes series that just finished 2-2. Australia won the first two Test matches and were leading 2-0 heading into the third Test at Headingley.

England bounced back to win the Headingley Test by three wickets. They were well placed to win the fourth Test in Manchester had rain not played spoilsport. They kept the intensity and bounced back and won the fifth Test by 49 runs to draw the series 2-2.

Australia’s dream to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001 did not materialize. The last two Ashes series played in England ended in 2-2 draws.

Looking back at Australia’s campaign, the veteran Indian spinner questioned their approach in the last three Test matches. He said that the visitors lost the plot by taking their foot off the accelerator.

“A mistake that Australia did in the last three Tests is that, when your foot is on the pedal, you should not even think about hitting the brake. I don’t know whether their DNA got mapped this way or whether their ego took over. They lost the plot in all three Test matches playing too slowly,” Ashwin said.

The senior Indian spinner further said that though the Aussies retained the Ashes, it was England who played a more entertaining brand of cricket.

“Australia retained the Ashes, but England have shown yet again that they are playing a form of cricket that is entertaining,” the 36-year-old added.

Ashwin further said that the absence of Nathan Lyon in the final three Tests was a big blow for the Aussies. Lyon injured his calf in the second test and was ruled out from the last three games. Todd Murphy replaced him in the XI but did not make much of an impact.

Australia Missed Nathan Lyon: Ravichandran Ashwin

“Nathan Lyon was more like an important cog in the wheel. It’s not easy to replace the cog in the wheel. This Ashes is a prime example of that. Once Lyon got injured, their attack became one-dimensional. They played both [Mitchell] Marsh and [Cameron] Green in one Test. They dropped Todd Murphy in Manchester where the ball usually turns,” Ashwin concluded saying.

Australia and England were docked crucial WTC points due to slow over-rates. The Aussies are currently third while England are fifth on the points table.