In the highly anticipated 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, India made a strategic move by including Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI in place of Washington Sundar. This decision has raised several questions among fans and experts alike, especially considering the pink-ball nature of the Adelaide Test. So, why did Rohit Sharma opt for Ashwin over Sundar? Let’s delve into this key selection and analyze the reasons behind it.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Record in Pink-Ball Tests
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, has been a standout performer in day-night (pink-ball) Tests. With a reputation for excelling under challenging conditions, Ashwin has an impressive record in these matches, which made him the obvious choice for the second Test in Adelaide. India’s only previous pink-ball Test in Australia in 2018 ended in a defeat, and with a 1-0 lead in the ongoing series, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, needed a reliable and experienced bowler for the Adelaide pitch, which is known for its propensity to assist spin under the lights.
The Stats: Ashwin vs. Sundar and Jadeja
While Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are both skilled all-rounders who can contribute with the ball and bat, Ashwin’s experience and proven track record in day-night Tests played a crucial role in the selection process. Let’s break it down:
- Ravichandran Ashwin: With 15 wickets in pink-ball Tests, Ashwin has established himself as the most successful Indian bowler in this format. His ability to extract turn and bounce in the twilight conditions, where the ball behaves unpredictably, makes him an invaluable asset in pink-ball cricket.
- Ravindra Jadeja: While Jadeja is a world-class spinner with significant success in Test cricket, his record in pink-ball Tests is not as stellar as Ashwin’s. Jadeja has claimed just one wicket in day-night Tests, a fact that might have influenced the team management’s decision.
- Washington Sundar: Sundar, who was also in the squad, has even less experience in pink-ball Tests. He has claimed only one wicket in this format, which made him a less compelling option compared to Ashwin, especially in a high-stakes match like the one in Adelaide.
Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy and Batting Adjustments
Apart from the bowling decision, there was another significant development in the Indian camp: Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat in the middle order. For the first time since 2018, Rohit moved away from his opening spot to accommodate the in-form KL Rahul and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. This strategic move underscores Rohit’s willingness to adapt to the team’s needs and his readiness to take on challenges in the middle order.
Rohit himself expressed confidence ahead of the Adelaide Test, stating, “I’m batting in the middle order, which is different, but I’m ready for the challenge.” This shows his leadership commitment and belief in the squad’s strength.
India’s XI for the 2nd Test: Changes and Strategies
India made three changes to the playing XI from the first Test in Perth:
- Ravichandran Ashwin replaced Washington Sundar, providing more spin options in the Adelaide Test.
- Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma came in for Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, bringing in more experience to the batting lineup.
This strategic approach not only aimed to bolster India’s spin department but also strengthened their batting for the pink-ball challenge. India’s playing XI for the 2nd Test in Adelaide is:
- India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia’s Response and Playing XI
Australia, on the other hand, made a single change to their lineup, bringing in Scott Boland in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood. Australia, having won 11 out of 12 day-night Tests at home, remained confident in their setup and the overall team balance.
- Australia XI: Pat Cummins (c), Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
The Importance of Spin in Pink-Ball Cricket
One of the key factors behind selecting Ashwin over Sundar and Jadeja is the nature of pink-ball cricket itself. The pink ball behaves differently under lights, offering more assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Ashwin’s ability to adjust his lines and lengths to exploit these conditions is unmatched, making him the ideal choice for the Adelaide Test, where spin will be crucial as the game wears on.
Conclusion: Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Move
Rohit Sharma’s decision to pick Ravichandran Ashwin over Washington Sundar for the second Test in Adelaide reflects a well-thought-out tactical move. With Ashwin’s superior record in pink-ball Tests, combined with his wealth of experience, India has a reliable weapon to counter Australia’s strong batting lineup in the twilight hours. Moreover, Rohit’s captaincy and strategic adjustments to the batting order underscore his leadership acumen and adaptability.
As India looks to extend their 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, all eyes will be on Ashwin and the spin-friendly conditions of the Adelaide Oval. The team’s success in this Test will largely depend on their ability to handle the evening session and take advantage of the conditions, where Ashwin’s role could prove pivotal.
For more updates on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and India’s performances, stay tuned.
