Cricket

Mitchell Marsh Praises India's Spin Duo Ahead of Border-Gavaskar SeriesAustralian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has heaped praise on India's experienced spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. Marsh acknowledged the world-class abilities of the Indian duo, who have consistently troubled Australian batsmen in the past.Ashwin, in particular, has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests against them. His economy rate of 2.70 and ability to extract turn and bounce from Australian pitches have made him a formidable opponent. Jadeja, too, has a strong record against Australia, with 89 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive economy rate of 2.33.Marsh, who is expected to play a key role in Australia's batting lineup, expressed his admiration for the Indian spinners. "They're world-class bowlers," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge, but how much spin will play in Australia, we'll wait and see."While acknowledging the threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja, Marsh also highlighted India's capable pace attack. "They've got an outstanding fast-bowling attack," he said. "But there's no doubt they're world-class spinners, and I've got a lot of respect for them."Marsh, who has improved his batting against spin in recent years, expressed confidence in his ability to counter the Indian spinners. "I've grown a lot as a player, and I'll take a positive mindset into that battle," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be a major test for both India and Australia. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test being a day-night affair in Adelaide. The third Test will be played in Brisbane, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the final Test in Sydney.

Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon believes that rival players often serve as the "best coaches", acknowledging that his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin has "taught" him a great deal through their faceoffs since 2011-12.Having made their Test debuts in the same year, Lyon and Ashwin will face each other for the eighth time in the longest format during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy five-Test series beginning in Perth on November 22."Ash (Ashwin) is an incredible bowler. I’ve gone head-to-head with him for basically my whole career, so I’ve learned a lot from Ash," Lyon told Fox Cricket."He’s an incredibly smart bowler, and he’s able to learn and adapt very quickly, and I think the best bowlers in the world are able to do that. He used his skills to benefit himself and his team.""So, you’ve got to give credit where credit’s due, he was the best bowler (in 2020/21), as he usually is. So, hats off to Ash."It will be Ashwin's fifth Test tour of Australia, where he has claimed 39 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 42.15.Lyon further admitted to having studied Ashwin's bowling closely, especially before Australia toured India in the last few years."He’s taught me a lot,” Lyon said. “I’m a big believer in the players that you play against are your best coaches that you eventually come across.""I’ve watched a lot of his footage heading over to India, the way he goes about it here in Australia, see if I can pick up anything."The way I look at cricket is that I’ve never met anyone who has conquered the game, never played against or with anyone who’s conquered the game.""There’s so much to learn in this great game, and there’s so much for me to learn from Ash. He’s a world-class bowler. He’s taken over 500 Test match wickets, and he should be extremely proud of that."Ashwin (21.76) outshines Lyon (30.81) in terms of having the best Test bowling average in Asia. However, the Australian has better bowling figures outside Asia — Lyon: 30.09, Ashwin: 33.14.Asked if they could face again post this tour, Lyon reckoned, “Spin bowling is a craft that the older you get, the better you get with age.”"There’s definitely no limit for me, and I don’t think there should be a limit for us as well. He’s absolutely world-class, and there’s a series in a couple of years’ time. So, who knows?"Asked about the secret of his success on non-spinning tracks, Lyon quipped: "I know Jadeja reads all of this stuff, so I can’t really share all my secrets."""My big thing is spinning up the back of the ball and getting bounce, but it’s a hard craft to be able to do that in Australia. Your size for error is extremely small,” he said.They may not have won a Test series against India in nearly a decade, but Lyon feels their World Test Championship final triumph last year would give them the edge."India’s got the wood over us in the past few series, but if you’re looking at the World Test Championship (final) in England, we were able to beat them there, and I know that should give us a bit of confidence heading into (this summer)," Lyon said."We understand that we’re coming up against a world-class side, but we can take a lot of confidence out of where we are at as an Australian cricket team.""I feel like we’re on the journey to becoming a great team. We’re not there yet. There’s a bit of work to do, but we have the opportunity to do something pretty special this summer."India are reeling from an unprecedented 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, a result Lyon believes will make the second-ranked team even more determined.“I think they’re extremely dangerous. They’re a class outfit, and they know their best preparation and how to come out here and perform. It’s going to be a cracking Test series.”"It’s been a long ten years since Australia’s held the trophy. There’s only a few of us that would probably be in the squad that’s actually held the trophy, so it’s time to bring it home," he concluded.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. Ganguly believes that Ashwin's experience and skill make him the best choice for the role, despite his recent struggles in home conditions.Ashwin has been a subject of debate among cricket experts and fans, with some questioning his place in the team after being sidelined in crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final in 2023. However, Ganguly maintains that Ashwin remains India's premier spinner and should be an automatic selection."There is no debate. Ashwin must play. Your best spinner must play. In Test cricket, play specialists," Ganguly said. "Also, against the number of left-handers in the Australian line-up, Ashwin is certain to have an impact."Ganguly acknowledges the presence of other talented spinners in the Indian squad, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but believes that Ashwin's experience and ability to bowl to left-handers give him the edge."Yes, there is [Ravindra] Jadeja and Washington [Sundar] and both bat well, but you must go in with your best spinner in the first Test. Play with specialist batsmen and bowlers, and that's where Ashwin is my choice," he added.Ashwin's recent form in home Tests against New Zealand has been underwhelming, with the off-spinner failing to take a single wicket in two innings. However, Ganguly believes that Ashwin's overall record and his ability to adapt to different conditions make him the best choice for the Perth Test."He's a world-class spinner. He's got a lot of experience. He's bowled well in Australia before. So, I think he's the best choice for the first Test," Ganguly said.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting the playing XI for the Perth Test, with several players vying for spots in the batting and bowling departments. However, Ganguly's strong endorsement of Ashwin suggests that the veteran spinner is likely to be given the nod ahead of his younger rivals.

Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, is gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a renewed determination to conquer the spin wizardry of Ravichandran Ashwin. Smith, who has been dismissed by Ashwin on multiple occasions in recent encounters, is eager to turn the tables in the upcoming series.Ashwin's prowess as an off-spinner is undeniable, particularly on home soil, where he boasts an impressive average of 21.57. However, his record in Australia is significantly different, with an average of 42.15. Smith believes this disparity could work in his favor.To counter Ashwin's spin, Smith plans to adopt a proactive approach, disrupting the bowler's rhythm and preventing him from settling into a comfortable pattern. He aims to take the attack to Ashwin, forcing him to react rather than dictate the terms of engagement."I don't like getting out to off-spin in Australia. But he's also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans. There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me," Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald."But then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith made 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that's key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to."Ashwin, for his part, is confident in his ability to outsmart Smith. He claims to have "figured out" Smith's batting technique, implying an upper hand in their battles."I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I've had an edge over him. I've had the wood over him," Ashwin had told Channel Seven.Smith, however, downplays Ashwin's assertions, emphasizing the extended nature of a five-match series. He believes that even if one player gains an early advantage, the longer format allows for adjustments and shifts in momentum."Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of another player, they could have 10 innings against them.""So, you're facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, they will feel under pressure against that player. There's nowhere to hide in five games like there are in a two-game series," said the New South Wales man.Smith, who needs just 315 runs to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, will return to his preferred batting position at number four. He had experimented with opening the batting in four Tests earlier this year, but the move didn't yield the desired results."It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It's about not overthinking things. It's playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple.""When I'm playing my best, I'm not overthinking and I'm just playing what's in front of me. It's going to be a good battle," he explained.Smith is eager to make a strong start and carry that momentum throughout the series. He believes in keeping his approach simple, trusting his instincts, and playing each ball on its merit. The battle between Smith and Ashwin promises to be an enthralling contest within the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the form of veteran players Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith likely to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.Ashwin, widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time, has been a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly against Australia. In 22 Tests against the Aussies, he has claimed 114 wickets at an impressive average of 28.36. His ability to extract turn and bounce from even the most placid surfaces makes him a potent threat.Smith, on the other hand, is a batting maestro known for his unorthodox yet highly effective technique. He has amassed 2042 runs in 19 Tests against India, including nine centuries and five half-centuries. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart bowlers has made him one of the most prolific batsmen in contemporary cricket.Over the years, Ashwin and Smith have engaged in intriguing battles on the field. Ashwin has revealed that he has studied Smith's batting closely, identifying his strengths and weaknesses. He has devised specific strategies to counter Smith's unique technique, which has often proved successful."Steve Smith is someone that's fascinating as a player against spin," Ashwin said. "I have found ways and means to be able to break it down. His time at Delhi Capitals and RPSG gave me an insight into how he prepares and what he likes and doesn't like."Smith, known for his astute cricketing mind, has also acknowledged Ashwin's prowess. He has praised Ashwin's ability to read batsmen and set up dismissals."Ashwin is a very thinking cricketer," Smith said. "He wants to get one up on you all the time. But he's got very unique ways of practicing and battling out with you in the middle."The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence in Perth on November 22. India will need to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The outcome of the series will hinge on the performances of Ashwin and Smith, two of the most influential players in world cricket.

Nathan Lyon Deemed More "Complete" Bowler Than Ravichandran Ashwin by Former South African Test CricketerFormer South African Test cricketer Paul Adams has sparked a debate by asserting that Australian spinner Nathan Lyon possesses a more "complete" skillset than his Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin. Adams's comments come ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series between India and Australia.Both Lyon and Ashwin are widely regarded as elite spinners in modern cricket, boasting over 500 Test wickets each. However, Adams believes Lyon's versatility across different conditions gives him an advantage."I still think Nathan Lyon has a more complete game in terms of competing in the subcontinent and in Australia or South Africa, those types of conditions, than Ashwin," Adams stated.Adams, renowned for his unconventional "frog in a blender" bowling action, highlighted Lyon's ability to generate overspin as a crucial factor. He contrasted this with Ashwin, whose carrom ball adds a unique dimension to his bowling.Adams also addressed the absence of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the upcoming series against Australia. He expressed his belief that Shami's absence will be a significant blow to the Indian team, especially on Australian pitches."I think he (Shami) will be a major miss for India, given the Australian conditions," Adams said.The former South African cricketer expects Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to assume a more prominent role in the bowling department in Shami's absence.

Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming moment with chess legend Viswanathan Anand on a flight. Ashwin, a self-proclaimed "fanboy," posted a picture on Instagram expressing his admiration for Anand, who hails from the same state of Tamil Nadu.Anand, India's first chess grandmaster, has achieved remarkable success in the sport, becoming a five-time World Chess Champion. His contributions have paved the way for chess in India, inspiring a generation of players.Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills in Test cricket, has also ventured into the world of chess. In July, he became the co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League 2024.The meeting between Ashwin and Anand sparked excitement among fans, who praised the duo for their achievements in their respective fields. Ashwin's caption on Instagram read, "A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand."Anand's journey to becoming India's first chess grandmaster in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the country. He reached the pinnacle of chess, holding the No. 1 ranking for 21 consecutive months.In 2024, India made history by winning its first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in both the men's and women's categories. This triumph showcased the growing strength of chess in India, a testament to Anand's influence.Meanwhile, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation, particularly in Test cricket. He is currently only 83 wickets behind Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers with the most Test wickets.Despite India's recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series, Ashwin remains a key player for the team. He expressed his disappointment over the defeat, calling it a "shattering experience."Ashwin is set to feature for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting from November 22. His experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to regain its dominance in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, has been a formidable force in home conditions throughout his Test career. However, during the recent India vs New Zealand series, Ashwin's form dipped significantly, contributing to India's unprecedented 3-0 series loss.In the six innings he played against New Zealand, Ashwin managed only nine wickets, averaging over 41. This was in stark contrast to his recent performances at home, where he had been instrumental in India's 18 consecutive home series wins.In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in 2023, Ashwin picked up 25 wickets in four matches, averaging an impressive 17.28. Against England in 2024, he bagged 26 wickets in five Tests, including two five-wicket hauls. And in the series against Bangladesh in September, he took 11 wickets in two Tests, averaging 19.27.Ashwin's struggles against New Zealand were particularly surprising given the conducive conditions for spin bowling. However, the BlackCaps' bowlers, including the less experienced ones, were able to exploit the conditions better than him.While Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bagged 16 wickets each in the series, Ashwin turned out to be the least effective among India's spinners. This dip in form has raised concerns about Ashwin's ability to continue as India's lead spinner in home conditions.It remains to be seen whether Ashwin can regain his form and help India regain their home dominance. However, the New Zealand series has shown that even the most experienced bowlers can struggle when their form deserts them.

Rishabh Pant's release from the Delhi Capitals has sparked a frenzy among IPL franchises eager to acquire the star wicket-keeper batter. However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), despite being linked with Pant, faces challenges in securing his services due to financial constraints.CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni ahead of the auction, leaving them with only one Right To Match (RTM) card. They are likely to use this card for opening batter Devon Conway.With just INR 55 crore remaining in their purse, CSK may struggle to compete for Pant, who is expected to fetch a fee of around INR 25 crore. The Super Kings have several areas to address, and spending such a significant amount on Pant could disrupt their balance.Other franchises with larger purses, such as Punjab Kings (INR 110.5 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 83 crore), and Lucknow Super Giants (INR 69 crore), are better positioned to sign Pant. Gujarat Titans (INR 69 crore) could also be in the race.Meanwhile, CSK could potentially reunite with Ravichandran Ashwin, who was released by the Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin has expressed his desire to play for his home franchise again, and this auction could provide an opportunity for that dream to be realized.