WTC champions Australia were praised by Ravichandran Ashwin for defeating England by two wickets in the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
After Australia’s convincing victory over India earlier this month, the off-spinner remarked that “ice-cool” Australia defeated Bazball by adhering to traditional cricket.
By highlighting the dramatic change in English pitches over the previous two years, the 36-year-old went on to explain why Bazball backfired for England in the first Test. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated:
“England was ablaze. Ice covered Australia. With their icy attitude (in the Ashes opener), Australia put out England’s fire.”
He continued:
“First, the history of Bazball: Up until a few years ago, English fields were alive with activity. Previously, the ball would seam randomly. Except for Joe Root, batters had trouble.”
“They chose, so. It will be difficult if we continue to make pitches in this manner. Give batting pitches, up the tempo, score runs quickly, and give the bowlers more time. Success was achieved in England.”
Australia’s victory in the first Ashes Test is explained by Ravichandran Ashwin as “it has become imaginable”.
The winning moment for Australia.
Captain Pat Cummins the hero! pic.twitter.com/912q2z3kP7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 20, 2023
Regarding how Australia outperformed England in the opening Ashes Test, Ravichandran Ashwin also provided some insight.
He explained that over the previous two years, chasing has gotten simpler in England.
Because of the favorable batting conditions in the first Test at Edgbaston, according to the legendary spinner, Australia was never out of the match.
He described how, in 2022, against India, England had successfully chased 378 at the same location.
“India attended the final (rescheduled fifth) Test at Edgbaston and won (chased 378). In comparison to Ireland and South Africa, they did it in Pakistan and at home.”
Ashwin continued:
“In England, fourth-inning chases have become feasible over the past two years. It’s now conceivable—just look at Cummins and Lyon. Previously, fourth inning chases of 250 or more were very challenging.”
Ben Stokes’ England set Australia a 281-run target after declaring at 393-8 on Day 1. When Australia slipped to 227-8, the hosts appeared to be in control.
However, Australian captain Pat Cummins came to the rescue and partnered with Nathan Lyon for an unbroken fifty to help his team win by two wickets.
On June 28, the second Test begins at Lord’s.
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