Ashwin can solve India’s problem: Vaughan
London, Aug. 29: Mohammed Shami’s unbeaten half century at Lord’s gave India a “false sense of security about their tail” and they cannot have “four rabbits from 811”, said former England captain Michael Vaughan after the visitors suffered an innings defeat in the third Test.
Vaughan feels senior offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI can solve the problem.
“Surely they have to pick Ravi Ashwin next week. You cannot have four rabbits from 8-11. The resistance at Lord’s lulled them into a false sense of security about their tail. In reality, they cannot have Mohammed Shami coming in at eight,” Vaughan wrote in a Facebook post.
“In the Indian dressing room, there is a lot of experience. The last two games, two really good venues and two venues where you can say spin has played a part historically. I would be staggered if R Ashwin is not on the team sheet on Thursday morning.”
ASHWIN MAY GET HIS FIRST GAME
India’s senior-most pacer Ishant Sharma may not find place in the playing XI in the remaining two Tests against England after an indifferent show in the third match. Ishant’s figures of 22-0-92-0 were worst among the Indian pacers.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s knee scan report hasn’t revealed any significant damage but Ashwin looks favourite to start in the fourth Test at the Oval from September 2.
It is still not clear whether India will plan to go in with two specialist spinners but Ashwin, who had a great county game for Surrey at the same venue won’t be benched at least in this game.