Ashwin, Jadeja will again shine for India in Nagpur, says Subramaniam Badrinath
Spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, have been instrumental in India’s domination over South Africa in the ongoing Freedom Series. It is expected that the third Test at Nagpur will have a spin friendly pitch.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the pitch will be made in a way to benefit both, Indian batsmen and bowlers. While talking to ESPNcricinfo he said, “It will be seen how Nagpur and its association looks at Indian cricket; if they make a pitch that will suit Indians or make something keeping in mind the long-term Indian team which would test both India’s batting and bowling line-up. But as far as I think an attempt will be made to prepare a turning pitch.”
In recent first class matches the Nagpur pitch has helped spinners more than seamers. While the spinners have bagged 51 wickets, pacers have managed only 17. Vidarbha Ranji Trophy captain Subramaniam Badrinath believes that the wicket at Nagpur will be a test for South African batsmen.
He told The Times of India, “Having seen the nature of the Jamtha track for the last couple of years, the odds are certainly in favour of India. The track here doesn't provide much bounce. As the game progresses, it assists the spinners more and more. The bounce keeps getting lower and lower as the game goes on. I feel this track will test South African batsmen's skills.”
In the Mohali Test India’s spin attack comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra bagged 19 of the 20 opponent wickets. The second match at Bengaluru also saw Indian spinners picking all 10 wickets of the Proteas on day one itself.
The 29-year-old Ashwin has 12 wickets in this series so far. He is currently one of India’s best match-winners. In the 30 Tests that he has played so far, Ashwin has been awarded ‘Man of the Match’ thrice and ‘Man of the Series’ four times. Though Jadeja was dropped from national side a few months back owing to poor performances, he made a good comeback.
Badrinath also heaped praise on Ashwin. He said, “I think he (Ashwin) will enjoy bowling here. When I think of Ashwin, I think of his hunger, his drive to improve. He wants to keep getting better by each passing day... whatever aspect of his game whether it's bowling, batting or fielding. He has so many options. He can bowl the doosra, he can bowl the wrong one, he can bowl the carrom ball. But he is cutting down all those options and thinking like an orthodox off spinner, trying to get wickets with his stock ball. It's actually the right way.”