India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin once again failed to make the cut in India’s playing XI in the second test match against England.
In the first test, fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur was preferred ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. But with Shardul injuring himself during India’s practice session, Ashwin had a chance to feature in the XI. However, Ishant Sharma who was reportedly unfit last match has been included in the team.
Toss & team news from Lord's!
England have elected to bowl against #TeamIndia in the 2⃣nd #ENGvIND Test. 🏏
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/KGM2YELLde
Here's India's Playing XI 🔽 pic.twitter.com/leCpLfUDnG
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 12, 2021
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, speaking at the toss, admitted that Ravichandran Ashwin was in the scheme of things for the second test, but given the conditions on offer, they chose to go ahead with a pacer.
“Ishant replaces Shardul, that’s the only change. We looked at Ashwin as a possibility. But we looked at the conditions and the team balance to decide to go with Ishant,” said Kohli.
Meanwhile, England has won the toss and has opted to bowl first. Moeen Ali and Mark Wood will replace Dan Lawrence and injured Stuart Broad in the test. The start of the match has been delayed due to rain.
Here is how social media reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence from the playing XI:
Former England cricketer, Michael Vaughan feels that India has erred at their selection for the second test match.
He wrote, “Feels like England have picked the right team & India haven’t … Ashwin should have played for India to give them more Batting plus his quality bowling … He bowls well in all conditions … Perfect bowling day … Feels like a wickets day …”
Feels like England have picked the right team & India haven’t … Ashwin should have played for India to give them more Batting plus his quality bowling … He bowls well in all conditions … Perfect bowling day … Feels like a wickets day … #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 12, 2021
Anu Menon wrote, “If they wanted Ashwin to enjoy rainy weather indoors, he could have stayed in Chennai and done so too. There was no need to drag him to England. Of course, I’m not bitter he isn’t in the playing eleven.”
If they wanted Ashwin to enjoy rainy weather indoors, he could have stayed in Chennai and done so too. There was no need to drag him to England.
Of course I'm not bitter he isn't in the playing eleven. 🙄#ENGvsIND
— Anu Menon (@ExLolaKutty) August 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/Joker122018/status/1425758961676951564?s=20
Again , No #Ashwin in Playing XI. By the statement of opposition captain #joeroot the pitch at lord's will offer something to spin and so surely he deserves a place in the XI. Very disappointed with overrated #Kohli once again.
— Durga Prasad (@durga3140) August 12, 2021
In the absence of Ashwin and Shardul, the batting of #TeamIndia looks weak down the order. #ENGvIND
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) August 12, 2021
Ashwin walks into any test team in the world as a member of playing eleven. He has had good returns as well in the chances he has got. The Great Gavaskar was spot on, Ashwin doesn't get into the team for non performance but for his forthrightness
— Sriram Ramakrishnan (@imsriramsr) August 12, 2021
Just to remind, Ashwin is also a decent bat. He's far superior bowler than Jadeja and maybe on an even-keel as a batsman. At WTC final, it was Ashwin who helped us to at least give a fight! But, Kohli is Kohli. #INDvENG
— Rajesh Abraham🇮🇳 (@pendown) August 12, 2021
Wonder how many times has a bowler who has picked 400+ Test wickets benched twice in an away Test. R Ashwin also hit a hundred v England recently in the Chennai Test this year. Has 5 Test tons. Let's hope India do well & an extra spinner isn't missed in the 4th innings!
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) August 12, 2021