ENG vs IND | Unable to comprehend decision behind leaving out Ashwin, reckons VVS Laxman
R Ashwin was overlooked for the first two India-England Tests
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VVS Laxman has questioned Ravichandran Ashwinâs exclusion from the Indian side for the second Test at Lordâs stating that he is unable to comprehend the reason behind it. The Indian batsman-turned-commentator has also stated that irrespective of all conditions, having four fast bowlers is a luxury.
Virat Kohli and the Indian team management once again decided to go with the 4 seamer-1 spinner formula for the second Test against England at Lordâs. Earlier, in the first Test match at Trent Bridge, India announced their playing XI with 4 pace bowlers and a lone spinner which raised many eyebrows. There existed a selection dilemma in the dressing room and the captain went on to choose the same combination for the second Test as the experienced Ishant Sharma, who has good records at Lordâs came in place of injured Shardul Thakur, by closing doors for a second spin all-rounder.
Recently, Ravichandran Ashwin displayed a great bowling performance in the WTC final by scalping 4 wickets against New Zealand and also for Surrey in the County Championship. The Trent Bridge pitch did not offer much turn and India picked Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner for the first Test considering his batting abilities. The Tamil Nadu born cricketer was expected to be in the playing XI for the second Test, but India opted for a fourth seamer instead. Former Indian batsman, VVS Laxman, has stated that it is difficult to understand how Ashwin is not getting selected in the playing XI.
âIshant Sharma walks into the team if he is a 100% fit, maybe in place of Mohammed Siraj. Iâm not able to comprehend what changed from WTC finals when Ashwin was your first-choice spinner and suddenly in a matter of a month, heâs not even finding a place in the XI,â Laxman told ESPNCricinfo.
The pitch at Lordâs is expected to benefit the seam bowlers as it offers great reverse swing with good seam movement. Having claimed seven wickets in the 2014 Test at Lordâs, Ishant Sharma was picked in the playing XI for the ongoing Test. Laxman, however, explained that four bowlers are always a luxury in the team irrespective of all conditions.
âI always believe, four fast bowlers are a luxury irrespective of the conditions you are playing in. India have got three quality fast bowlers, whether one of them is Siraj or Ishant, it doesnât matter. Both of them have got the ability to bowl long spells,â Laxman said.
The former Indian batsman also pointed to the fact that Kohli would like to continue with the same model in England. That would imply that the chances of Ashwin playing in the series is slim.
âAshwin adds variety to that bowling attack and heâs got an abundance of experience. Iâm not able to comprehend the reasoning behind this decision but I think itâs pretty clear after listening to Kohli in the press conferences in Nottingham and also here that he wants to continue with this template,â Laxman added.
I think Ashwin will have to wait. Yes, itâs overcast now but itâs not going to remain the same in all five days. So if Ashwin is not playing in these conditions, I donât see him getting into the XI as I donât believe Kohli will change this template soon.â
