Ajinkya Rahane Hopeful Of Ravichandran Ashwin Enjoying A Good Series In Australia

While fast bowlers might have a greater say in the upcoming Test series between India and Australia, visiting team’s vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane believes spinners will have as much role to play. Ajinkya Rahane has backed Ravichandran Ashwin to have a significant impact against Australia in the Tests, beginning from Thursday. The 34-year old has been the first-choice spinner for India in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s record in overseas Tests is a lot underwhelming than those of the home fixtures. The off-spinner, who has claimed 365 wickets so far, had played an integral role in the visitors’ victory in the opening Test of the 2018-19 series. He took six wickets in the match as India gained momentum early in the rubber and went on to claim their first Test series victory on the Australian soil. Unfortunately, an injury ruled out Ashwin for the remainder of the series.

The Tamil Nadu off-spinner is one of the three spinners that the selectors have opted for in the four-match Test series. With Ravindra Jadeja suffering a concussion in the first T20I against Australia in Canberra and out of contention, it pushes Ashwin’s case for selection. While Ravi Shastri did announce that chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav is their first-choice spinner in overseas Tests, Ashwin’s superior batting skills gives him an edge for the opening match.

We all know that he is an experienced bowler: Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged that Ravichandran Ashwin is an experienced bowler and his role would be vital. The 32-year old added that not only as a bowler, but Ashwin’s handy batting skills would also be as crucial in the scheme of things. Thus, the vice-captain backed the veteran spinner to enjoy a stellar outing in Australia.

“See Ashwin’s role will be very important. We all know that he is an experienced bowler. He has got variety in his bowling. So his role for us as a bowler and also as a batsman will be really important. I am sure Ashwin will have a very good series and it will be really good for us,” Rahane said in a conference call.

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