Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has named the player who could very well decide the outcome of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series. The much-anticipated four-match Test series between India and Australia will begin on Thursday (February 9) in Nagpur.
India will be looking to win their fourth straight Test series against Australia as well as continue their domination over the visitors at home. The hosts have not lost a Test series against Australia at home since the 2004/05 season. India have also won the last three editions of the Border-Gavaskar Test series including two in Australia.
The recent domination over Australia makes India slight favourites for the series. Australia, however, are really strong this time. They are currently the top-ranked side in the ICC Test rankings and also sitting at the top of the points table in the ICC World Test Championship.
Ravi Shastri hails India star:
While only time well the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Series, Ravi Shastri believes India ace Ravichandran Ashwin has the potential to decide the fate of the series. Hailing the India spin spearhead as a “package”, Ravi Shastri lavished praise on him and also pointed out his ability with the bat.
“Ashwin, you don’t want him to over-plan. He is good enough to stick to his plans as he is real crucial player here. His form might decide the series. Ashwin comes as a package, he will get you important runs as well,” Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.
“If Ashwin is on fire, that might decide the outcome of the series. He is world class in most conditions but in Indian conditions, he is lethal. If the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface, he will trouble most batters. So, you don’t want Ashwin to over-think and try too many things. Just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest because as it is, it does enough in India,” he added.
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