Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell believes Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin are different bowlers and the Australian veteran should back his strengths in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. Lyon has taken eight wickets in the two Test matches at an average of 30.25.
The Australian spinner returned with figures of 5-67 in the first innings of the Delhi Test match. Furthermore, he took two wickets in the second essay of the Test. But Lyon was not at his best in Nagpur Test as he could only take one wicket.
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have collectively taken 31 wickets in two Test matches against the Aussies, with the latter taking 14 wickets.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, “I don’t think you can come and try and replicate what Ashwin and Jadeja do. Nathan Lyon is not Ravichandran Ashwin and has to bowl like Nathan Lyon. He has tried to do that pretty well.”
Chappell added that the duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have bowled a lot in India and they know how to make the most of their own conditions. Both of these spinners have all the experience under their belt and they are a force to reckon with in their own conditions.
“Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have bowled a lot in India and know exactly what to do here. If you look at Ashwin, he is a very fine bowler, and it doesn’t matter where he bowls. He bowls extremely well in Australia as well. He is also very smart and works on exactly what to do.
“Jadeja doesn’t vary too much. He has learned a few things and improved his bowling. He has got the skill set which is perfect for India. The two of them work together.”
Jadeja returned with career-best figures of 7-42 in the second innings as he ran through Australia’s batting order to skittle the visitors at 113. The left-arm orthodox spinner took a total of 10 wickets in the Test match and also scored an imperative knock of 26 runs in the first dig. Thus, he was awarded the Player of the Match.
On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin took six wickets in the second Test match. The third Test match will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore from March 1.
