Matthew Wade reckons the spin duo of Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are tough to face as India won to level the series 1-1 after all-round performances in Melbourne.
India’s bowling line-up even in 3 main pace bowlers absence looks far more formidable than their batting in the series as apart from Ajinkya Rahane who scored a ton in 2nd Test the others haven’t lived up to expectations. India’s batting, especially in overseas conditions, at times leaves a lot to be desired, but the bowling manages to destroy any opposition as the attack is capable of taking 20 wickets in a Test match.
Matthew Wade: Ravichandran Ashwin And Ravindra Jadeja Bowled Terrifically Well And Are Difficult To Handle
Even without pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, two of India’s best Test bowlers of the current generation, the team bounced back to dismiss Australia for 195 and 200 in the two innings. Debutant pacer Mohammed Siraj had a dream outing claiming five wickets in the match.
But credit should also go to Ravichandran Ashwin who has claimed 10 wickets in two games, including that of the dangerous pair of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Matthew Wade informed that even though the off-spinner has been able to dismiss Steve Smith twice in the Test series, not much should be read into it.
“I think they have bowled terrifically well, especially in Melbourne there was more spin and bounce, we did not expect it to come into play as it did, we did not adapt quick enough to that wicket,” he responded to a query from ANI.
“Steve has played against Ashwin plenty of times before this, Smith has been successful over here and I am sure he will be fine, no problems at all. Ashwin and Jadeja are a difficult spin duo, they are very consistent and we need to find a way, that’s the nature of the beast.”
Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, has picked 3 wickets averaging 14.33 with a ball and scored 57 runs in 1st innings after being left out from 1st Test due to not recovering from concussion injury suffered in 1st T20I
Matthew Wade Enjoyed Batting As Opener But He Isn’t Sure Of Batting As Opener Or Even Playing In Will Pucovski and David Warner’s Availability
Matthew Wade is enjoying his role as an opener. Matthew Wade has played most of his cricket while batting in the middle order for Tasmania and the national team but was called up to open in the absence of David Warner in the first two Tests. Incumbent opener Joe Burns has been axed and Matthew Wade isn’t sure of him opening or even playing in last 2 Tests as Will Pucovski is also declared fit and in contention for last 2 Tests.
“I have really enjoyed batting as an opener, I did not know what to expect going into the pink-ball Test, it’s not that different, you have to be cautious early, moving forward if the selectors want me to do this role, then I am comfortable doing it now,” he said.
“Will Pucovski has come back to the squad, I don’t know right now where I will bat, whether I play or not, who knows. I will prepare for where I have been batting, if I slide down the order, then also I am comfortable.”
“Justin (Langer) spoke to me, asking me if I was comfortable in opening the batting, I thought it as an opportunity to be a versatile player and bat anywhere ranging from the number one spot to number seven, I saw it as a positive opportunity. My spot has been speculated for ten years now, and I am used to it now.”
David Warner has recovered from a groin injury while Will Puvcovski who is yet to debut in Tests has also recovered after suffering a concussion in a warm-up game. David Warner though isn’t 100% match fit at the moment but will be fielded in all probability as Australia want to strengthen their batting order in last 2 Tests as they failed to score more than 200 in 3 innings of first 2 Tests.