Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Play All Three ODIs Against Australia

Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become the talk of the town ever since he was recalled in the India ODI side for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia.

The spinner was not really in the picture for an ODI recall just before the ODI World Cup. Since the start of 2018, Ravichandran Ashwin has played only two ODIs and unsurprisingly not many expected him to earn the recall ahead of the World Cup. However, an unfortunate injury to Axar Patel opened the doors for the veteran spinner to revive his ODI career.

The Tamil Nadu star was not a part of the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup and was not named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup either. But with Axar Patel suffering an injury just before the tournament and his participation looking doubtful, Ravichandran Ashwin has the opportunity to make a case for himself.

Ravichandran Ashwin to play in all three games:

It looks like the Indian team management is also willing to give Ravichandran Ashwin the opportunity to prove himself ahead of the World Cup. According to a report in the Indian Express, the off-spinner bowled in tandem during Team India’s training session on Thursday (September 21) ahead of the first ODI against Australia. The report stated that the training session could be a sign that Ravichandran Ashwin would be in the playing XI.

Kuldeep Yadav not being a part of the squad for the first two games will also work in the veteran spinner’s favor. Head coach Rahul Dravid has also hinted that Ashwin will play all three games of the series. Speaking to the media, the former India skipper stated that the upcoming series is not a trial for the spinner and went on to explain the reason behind recalling him.

“This is not a trial for Ashwin. Having someone of Ashwin’s experience to come back is always good for us.

“Someone like Ashwin provides you that experience, that ability to also contribute with the bat at No. 8 and someone we always thought of in case, there are certain opportunities opened, he is someone who is definitely a part of your plans and someone of his experience, I know has not played a lot of ODI cricket of late but someone of his experience can do that really well,” Rahul Dravid said.

“It’s a good chance for him to test himself because he has not played the 50 over cricket for a long time. I will not say that for him it is a trial or anything, we know his quality. This is a chance for him to get the taste of this format and we just want to give him an opportunity to play in two or three games,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin is arguably the best off-spinner in the country. He is also a handy lower-order batsman and India could be tempted to include him in the squad if Axar Patel indeed fails to recover in time. Meanwhile, the first ODI between India and Australia will take place on Friday (September 22).