Former Australian captain Ian Chappell recently stated that Australian spinners should not get carried away by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and try to emulate them. Rather he wants them to follow their natural style of bowling which has given them success.
Chappell who is considered as one of the greats of the game recently sat in a discussion with ESPN Cricinfo where he stated the difference between two modern day greats in Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon. He highlighted that they are different bowlers and opined that an Australian spinner won’t find much success in India if they try to emulate the Indian spinners.
The former captain shared that Lyon has been sensational this series and has paved the path for the upcoming spinners from Down Under. Comparing Ashwin and Lyon, he said, “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.”
While Lyon had an underwhelming start to the series as he picked up a single wicket in the Nagpur test match, he followed it up with a five wicket haul in the Delhi in the first innings. Although the visitors lost the second test aswell, Lyon answered his critics with his shrewd strategy and discipline.
Chappell further shared his thoughts on Ashwin and Jadeja and highlighted the experience that they have in bowling on Indian pitches. Hence they have been so exceptional in home conditions as they know exactly where to bowl.
He also shared that Aswin is a veteran of the game and is someone who can succeed anywhere irrespective of the conditions. He added that Jadeja in close vicinity of Ashwin has also taken his game to a certain level and has improved immensely.
“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,” he concluded.
Both Jadeja and Ashwin were sensational for the hosts as the former picked up seven wickets and completely bundled out the visitors as they lost 9 wickets in 91 minutes and finished with a paltry score of 113. Overall Jadeja was adjudged the man of the match for hsi 10-wicket games he picked three wickets in the first innings aswell. Ashwin also made a mark as he picked up three wickets in both the innings as India managed to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy with this win at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
