AUS vs IND 2024-25: R Ashwin likely to play as lone spinner in Perth Test

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, Ravichandran Ashwin is scheduled to play the opening Test match at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The Indian Express reported that the renowned off-spinner will be the only spinner in India’s starting lineup for the opening Test match, which begins on Friday, November 22.

The report goes on to say that Ashwin is being viewed as the main contender to start the series due to the Australian team’s strong left-handed hitters. The three southpaws who are anticipated to be crucial players in the intense five-match Test series are Alex Carey, Travis Head, and Usman Khawaja.

It would be fascinating to watch how many overs Ashwin receives, though, since the pacers will likely benefit from the Optus Stadium. In addition to Ashwin, India has included Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in their 18-man roster.

The management of the Indian team is now considering whether seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy should make his Test debut in the opening Test. Against Bangladesh last month, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder made his T20I debut for India. India intends to start with one seam-bowling all-rounder, three pacers, and one spinner.

R Ashwin Australian record

It’s difficult for spinners to succeed in Australia, and Ashwin has seen his share of difficulties there. With an average of 42.15 in 10 Test matches, the Tamil Nadu spinner has taken 39 wickets, which is his second-lowest total in a single nation.

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The 38-year-old will need to be crucial to India’s efforts to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But for the first time since losing the award to India in 2017, Pat Cummins’ Australia will be keen to reclaim it.