Wasim Jaffer backs Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in Team India playing XI for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in Team India’s playing XI for the second Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia. Ashwin was dropped from the opening Test match against the Aussies at Perth as India backed Washington Sundar, who returned with figures of 2-48 in the second innings.

Ashwin scalped nine wickets in three Test matches against New Zealand at an average of 41.22 and thus he isn’t in the best of forms. However, the off-spinner has bagged 18 wickets in four pink-ball Test matches (seven innings) at an average of 13.83 and thus he has an impressive record in the Day-Night Test matches. 

“I want India to play Ashwin. Spin always plays a part in D/N Test, Ash has done well there before. Washi hasn’t done anything wrong but with Rohit & Gill back to bolster the batting, play your best spinner is what I think. And Ashwin is more than handy with the bat too,” Jaffer wrote on X.

On the other hand, Adelaide pitch curator Damian Hough said that the track will assist the spinners.

“Spin always plays a role in Adelaide. You need to pick a frontline spinner. So, there should never be a question of do we, don’t we? It should always be,” Hough said in a select media interaction organised by Cricket Australia.

Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he will look to be at his best in the pink-ball Test against Australia, if he is selected in the final XI. 

The second Test match between Australia and India, which will be a pink-ball game, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards.