Michael Hussey taken aback by Gautam Gambhir's cricketing IQ; expresses shock
Published - 22 Nov 2024, 11:00 AM | Updated - 22 Nov 2024, 11:07 AM
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Former Australia National Cricket Team player Michael Hussey was amazed that the India National Cricket Team not play Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in the ongoing Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said that he was surprised with the decision and thought one of them would play.
India National Cricket Team is currently locking horns with Australia National Cricket Team in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Optus Stadium in Perth with visitors opting to bat.
India surprised many with their playing XI selection for the first Test
India surprised many with their playing XI selection as in the build-up for the first Test, there was massive debate about playing one between Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, both the all-rounders didn't get to play as the team went in with Washington Sundar as the only spinner in the team.
This came as a surprise because, ahead of the game, there were reports that claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin might get a nod ahead because of his experience and his ability to counter the left-handed batters in the Australia National Cricket Team.
However, the team management went into its current form and picked Washington Sundar. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was the leading wicket-taker in the last series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team and also played some handy knocks with the bat down the order.
It is a bit of a surprise if I’m being honest. I thought one of them might play - Michael Hussey on Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja
Michael Hussey also was among those who were surprised by the decision to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He pointed out the impact made by Nathan Lyon in Perth while weighing on his statement. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Michael Hussey explained:
"It is a bit of a surprise if I’m being honest. I thought one of them might play. You see how important Nathan Lyon is for Australia. Nathan Lyon has actually got the most wickets out of the Australian bowlers here in Perth, so he’s the key man for Australia and what that does is allows the captain to rotate the fast bowlers around from the other end."
It is a surprise because Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can help out with the bat as well - Michael Hussey
Michael Hussey further stressed that the India National Cricket Team picked the playing XI based on the wicket as they felt the spinner wouldn't play much of a role. He called the decision to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja as a surprise because he believes that the duo can contribute with bat as well. He added:
"The Indians have obviously looked at the pitch, seen plenty of grass on it. Traditionally, it’s very fast and bouncy here as well, so they thought maybe the spinner is not going to play as much of a role, and they’re going to go in a different direction. It is a surprise because Ashwin and Jadeja can help out with the bat as well." he concluded.
