The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of cricket’s most intense rivalries, and every Test match carries immense weight. As India gears up for the first Test in Perth, the big question is: Will Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja be the sole spinner in the playing XI? With Ashwin’s vast experience and Jadeja’s superior all-round capabilities, the decision is far from simple.
Ashwin, a key player in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was the fourth-highest wicket-taker. However, his recent struggles during the New Zealand series raised eyebrows. Despite this dip in form, his proven ability to adapt to Australian conditions gives him an edge.
Gambhir’s Perspective on Match-Ups
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is a firm believer in matchups. With Australia’s line-up featuring left-handers like Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey, Ashwin’s dominance over southpaws makes him a strong contender for the Perth Test.
The Optus Stadium pitch, known for its pace and bounce, favors fast bowlers. India is expected to field three pacers, a pace-bowling all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy, and just one spinner, likely Ashwin.
Ashwin’s Experience in Australia
Having toured Australia four times and played 10 matches, Ashwin boasts unparalleled experience among Indian bowlers. His performances in the last two Border-Gavaskar series have been particularly impressive, with averages better than Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier spinner.
No bowler in Test cricket has dismissed more left-handers than Ashwin. His success against players like Khawaja, Head, and Carey could prove crucial in turning the game in India’s favor. Additionally, he has troubled right-handers like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in previous encounters.
Ashwin & Jadeja: Tests stat comparison in Australia
| Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Strike Rate | 5w | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwin | 10 | 39 | 42.15 | 86.2 | 0 | 384 | 24 | 2 |
| Jadeja | 4 | 14 | 21.78 | 54.2 | 0 | 175 | 43.75 | 2 |
| Sundar | 1 | 4 | 42.25 | 73.5 | 0 | 84 | 42 | 1 |
Jadeja’s and Sundar Limited Opportunities in Australia
Jadeja, despite having superior overall numbers, has played only four Tests in Australia. His limited experience compared to Ashwin and the team’s need for a specialized off-spinner might work against him.
Washington Sundar remains a dark horse in this selection debate. His contributions in the historic Gabba victory, where he scored 84 runs and took four wickets, showcased his potential. However, his limited opportunities since then have kept him on the fringes of selection.
Sundar’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an attractive option. His calmness under pressure and adaptability to Australian pitches could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
Gambhir’s Pick
Gambhir’s focus on left-handers strengthens Ashwin’s case. With a track record of excelling against southpaws, Ashwin aligns perfectly with the team’s strategy for this match.
India’s team management must weigh Ashwin’s experience against Jadeja’s all-round skills. Striking the right balance between aggression and control will be key to India’s success in the Perth Test.
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