"I thought one of them might play, definitely" - Michael Hussey surprised by Ashwin-Jadeja's absence in 1st AUS vs IND 2024 Test
Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has acknowledged that he thought either Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin would make it to Team India's playing XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. The visitors sprang a surprise by naming Washington Sundar as the lone spinner as the veterans were shunned to the bench for the series opener which started on Friday, November 22.
Late reports suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin might be preferred as the frontline spinner because of his experience, and his ability to counter the left-handed batters in the Australian playing unit. However, while the match-ups are still considered, the management opted to tap into Washington's rich vein of form.
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was picked midway through the home series against New Zealand and ended up being the leading wicket-taker.
Hussey remarked India could have used an experienced candidate for their spin bowling needs, considering how Lyon uses the bounce to his advantage in Perth.
“It is a bit of a surprise if I’m being honest. I thought one of them might play, definitely. You see how important Nathan Lyon is for Australia. Nathan Lyon has actually got the most wickets out of the Australian bowlers here in Perth, so he’s the key man for Australia and what that does is allows the captain to rotate the fast bowlers around from the other end," Hussey said on Fox Cricket.
"It is a surprise because Ashwin and Jadeja can help out with the bat as well" - Michael Hussey
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja did not have the best of campaigns against New Zealand, but their experience and prowess were huge factors behind their inclusion on the tour.
The pair have chipped in with significant contributions in the lower-middle order, with the likes of Washington Sundar and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy left to fulfill that responsibility in the veterans' absence.
"The Indians have obviously looked at the pitch, seen plenty of grass on it. Traditionally it’s very fast and bouncy here as well, so they thought maybe the spinner is maybe not going to play as much of a role and they’re going to go in a different direction. It is a surprise because Ashwin and Jadeja can help out with the bat as well," Hussey added on Fox Cricket.
Team India won the toss and opted to bat first. They are placed at 5-1 after Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a duck in the third over.