Ashwin set for his first Test in Perth: Key stats
As per Cricbuzz, India's leading off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to play his first-ever Test match in Perth. The landmark achievement will come on his fifth tour Down Under. Despite being on previous tours, Ashwin wasn't picked for the matches played in this city, as the strategy of going with four-prong pace attack was preferred. The 1st Test between Australia and India will begin at the Optus Perth Stadium on November 22.
Ashwin's role and team strategy shift
Ashwin will probably be the only spinner in the next match, with Nitish Kumar Reddy set to make his Test debut as a seam-bowling all-rounder. This selection marks a departure from team strategy as previous tours have seen Ravindra Jadeja preferred over Ashwin for matches outside the subcontinent. Since the 2018 Adelaide Test, Ashwin has played only 10 Tests outside the subcontinent/Caribbean, mostly with Jadeja or when Jadeja was injured.
Ashwin's performance and preparation for Perth Test
Despite an average record on Australian soil (39 wickets from 10 Tests at 42.15), Ashwin's recent performances have been key to India's victories. His selection for the Perth Test is a testimony of his world-class skills. Ahead of the match, Ashwin skipped a scheduled press conference to practice bowling and later discussed pitch conditions with curator Isaac McDonald. He also spent time analyzing the pitch at Optus Stadium with team analyst Hari, indicating his thorough preparation for the upcoming game.
Ashwin's potential batting promotion and leadership change
Ashwin's inclusion in the team could also see him batting higher up, unless Reddy is picked at number seven. This will be Ashwin's first time playing under a bowling captain, Jasprit Bumrah, making this match even more unique. The last instance of India playing a Test at the Optus Stadium was in 2018 when they picked an extra fast bowler over Ashwin despite his brilliant performance in Adelaide, where India won.
