Ravichandran Ashwin: A Champion Spinner Against Australia :India has been blessed with some exceptional spinners over the years and Ravichandran Ashwin certainly belongs to that elite club. Since his debut against the West Indies in 2011, Ashwin has been on a journey of unparalleled growth, and has now become one of the most feared spinners, especially in Indian conditions. And, when it comes to Australia, Ashwin has been a constant source of nightmares for the Aussies, as he boasts an impressive record of 97 wickets against them at an average of 29.70.
Here are Ravichandran Ashwin’s Top Five Bowling Performances Against Australia in Test Cricket:
1. Nagpur Test, 2021
In the recently concluded Test in Nagpur, Ashwin once again decimated the Australian line-up as he picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India bundle out the visitors for a meager score of 91. Ashwin’s battle against Australia’s left-handers was a much-anticipated one, and it was the off-spinner who came out on top, accounting for the wickets of Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, and Alex Carey.
2. Bangalore Test, 2017
Australia had beaten India in the first Test in Pune and were looking to take an unassailable lead in the Bangalore test. However, Ashwin had other plans, as he ran through the Aussie lineup, picking up a six-wicket haul to help India bowl out the visitors for 112 and level the series. This was a crucial performance for India as they needed to win the game to stay alive in the series.
ALSO READ
Australia’s First Test Against India: A Look at Three Ranji Trophy Spinners Who Could Fill the Gap
The Quest for a Spot in the Playing XI: When Players Prioritize the Team over Self
Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh: Comparing Two of India’s Greatest Spin Bowlers
WPL 2023 Auction: Who Will Be The Top 3 Buys?
3. Adelaide Test, 2020-21
In the first Test of India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21, Ashwin was not a certain pick due to his overseas record. But, the Indian skipper Virat Kohli showed faith in his experienced spinner and picked him for the Adelaide Test. Ashwin honored the trust by picking up four wickets in the first innings, including that of the dangerous Steven Smith. Despite India losing the game, Ashwin’s performance was an encouraging sign and he continued to trouble the Aussies throughout the series.
4. Sydney Test, 2020-21
Despite being injured, Ashwin helped India save the third test at Sydney. He bowled tight lines and troubled the Aussies consistently throughout the series, proving his mettle as a champion spinner.
5. Chennai Test, 2013
The Chennai test between India and Australia in 2013 was Ashwin’s first Test against the Aussies at home, and it was here that he put up his first of many phenomenal performances against the visitors. Ashwin registered figures of 7-103 in the first innings, with six of those being of proper batters. He further tormented the Australians in the second innings, picking up another five-wicket haul, en route to India’s eight-wicket victory.
In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin has been a constant thorn in the flesh of the Aussies, and his top five performances against them in Test cricket are a testament to his exceptional skill and talent as a spinner. He is truly one of India’s finest spinners and will forever be remembered as a champion bowler.