IND vs AUS 2023: Ravichandran Ashwin’s variations will consistently trouble Australian batters, says Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan reckons Ravichandran Ashwin’s variations will consistently trouble Australian batters in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. Ashwin returned with impressive figures of 5-37 in the second innings and took his 31st five-wicket haul to help India bundle out Australia for 91 runs as the home team won by an innings and 132 runs.

Furthermore, the off-spinner scalped three wickets in the first innings. Thus, he took a total of eight wickets in the Test match and also scored 23 runs in the first essay.

Ashwin has a lot of variations under his belt and he will look to continue the good show. Moreover, the off-spinner has all the experience and he has been a force to reckon with in the Indian conditions.

“They are not going to work as well. You will see these sights repeatedly in this entire series, whether there is more or less help from the pitch. His variations will consistently trouble them,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

Pathan added that Ashwin would have got more purchase from the surface if Mitchell Starc had played for Australia as his follow-through would have created more footmarks on the pitch.

“Remember one thing – a left-arm bowler didn’t play in this match. If Mitchell Starc plays in the next match, Ashwin will be even happier while bowling because he will get the rough closer to the stumps. The combination of a left-armer and a right-arm off-spinner is amazing. He is from Australia but will help Ravichandran Ashwin more,” Pathan added.

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin added he expects Australia to make a solid comeback in the series. Australia is the number one Test team in the ICC rankings and India wouldn’t want to be complacent.

“I expect Australia to come back really hard and strong. They are a world-class side. In this game, we just batted beautifully and batted deep even today. 220 is a lot of runs. The next game would be different, I am looking forward to it,” said Ashwin after the game.

The second Test match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday onwards.