Ashes 2023: Australia neutralised England’s fire with their ice-cool attitude – Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Australia neutralised England’s fire with their ice-cool attitude. Australia took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes series after winning the opening game by two wickets at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The visitors chased down 281 after Pat Cummins scored an unbeaten knock of 44 runs whereas Nathan Lyon contributed 16. The duo added an unbroken alliance of 55 runs for the ninth wicket when Australia had their backs against the wall.

In fact, England played in an aggressive manner as Ben Stokes took bold decisions, deciding to declare at 393-8 in the first innings. On the other hand, Australia backed the orthodox approach and it worked wonders for them.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “England were fire. Australia were ice. Australia neutralised England’s fire with their ice-cool attitude (in Ashes opener).”

He continued: “Firstly, the origin of Bazball: Till a couple of years back, England had pitches full of life. The ball used to seam all over the place. Batters struggled, except for Joe Root.”So, they decided. If we give pitches like this, it’s going to be tough. So, let’s give batting pitches and increase the tempo, score runs fast, and give bowlers more time. England did it successfully.”

As the pitches in England have gone flat in the last couple of years, it has become easier to chase down big totals in the English conditions. Ashwin gave a few examples which justify the same.

“India went to the last (rescheduled fifth) Test at Edgbaston, they were successful (chased 378). (They) did it in Pakistan, did it (at home( versus Ireland and South Africa.”

Ashwin continued: “In the last two years, fourth-innings chases in England have become possible. Look at Cummins and Lyon! It has become imaginable thing. Previously, 250+ chases in the fourth innings were incredibly difficult.”

Australia was behind the eighth ball as they needed 54 runs with only two wickets remaining. However, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were able to deliver the goods under pressure.

The second Ashes Test will be played at Lord’s, from June 28 onwards.