"Jos Buttler's trajectory is low" - Ravichandran Ashwin wants Axar Patel to take the new ball in IND vs ENG 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals
Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Team India should use left-arm spinner Axar Patel with the new ball in their 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals against England on Thursday. He suggested that the crafty spinner would trouble English openers Jos Buttler and Philip Salt.
The veteran bowler mentioned that Axar has several tricks up his sleeve which could make things difficult for Buttler and Salt. Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the knockout fixture, Ashwin said:
"A spinner like Axar Patel bowling to Jos Buttler and Salt, he has got two toys. He can bowl a fantastic arm ball. He can slow the ball down. He can also slide it in with the arm. Which makes it three toys in his favour. In the first over, the batter is still getting into the groove. So, when the intent is slightly less, these toys can hit him on the pad. The arm ball that he swings in the back foot, Salt is a tough back foot player. Jos Buttler's trajectory is low. When you look at it, it is a good thing for Axar Patel to bowl the first over."
Ashwin pointed out that Axar has had an impressive run at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Backing the all-rounder to do the job for the Men in Blue in the semifinals, he added:
"Axar Patel in powerplay, especially considering Jos Butler's match-up against him. He gets him out very often. When you consider that, is that an exceptional case where you can use Axar? It has been Axar's World Cup. Might not be in terms of wickets or runs. But wherever he turns, in that crucial change-maker, Axar has come three times."
Axar has picked up five wickets from six outings at an economy rate of 7.21. He has made a significant impact with the ball, delivering tidy spells consistently.
"Jasprit Bumrah has troubled Jos Buttler a lot" - Ravichandran Ashwin on who should bowl for India in the powerplay
In the same segment, Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that India should open their bowling with left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh to make the most of the swing on offer. He mentioned that Rohit Sharma should bring in Jasprit Bumrah for the second over.
The 37-year-old emphasized that India could go to Axar Patel if there isn't much movement for the pacers. He also reckoned that Hardik Pandya could also be an option in the powerplay, as it would allow Sharma to save Bumrah's overs for the back end.
Ashwin remarked:
"I would say, Arshdeep Singh first over. If the ball swings, second over, maybe Jasprit Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah has troubled Jos Buttler a lot to set up the tone. If the ball doesn't swing, there is a good chance to go straight to Axar. In fact, I would even think if the ball swings, I will even think of Hardik Pandya. Just so that I want Bumrah cushion in the back half."
India and England will compete in the second semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup on Thursday, June 27 at Providence Stadium in Guyana.