Former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth has backed spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to play instead of fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the second Test against South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
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After being handed a massive defeat in the first Test, India have been putting in the hard yards in the lead up to the New Year’s Test. The Proteas defeated India by an innings and 32 runs at the SuperSport Park in Centurion to slash their hopes of conquering their final frontier in Test cricket, having never won a bi-lateral Test series in South Africa.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Srikkanth said he would play Ashwin over Shardul, sicne the spinner would be able to combine with Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test. Ashwin was India’s most economical bowler in Centurion, giving away just 41 runs in 19 overs, while claiming a solitary wicket.
“I will still play Ashwin. I believe Ashwin is better than Shardul Thakur. I will play Ashwin in place of Shardul. Even if he doesn’t pick up five-wicket hauls, he will pick up a couple. Probably, he will combine well with jadeja and bowl tight lines. These two can work together and pick up 4-5 wickets, you never know. That should be enough, he would have done his job,” said Srikkanth.
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He went on to say that spinners will be the key to make South African batters struggle in Cape Town, adding that Shardul does not fit the bill for the second Test. Shardul gave away 101 runs in 19 overs, at an economy of 5.32 in the first Test.
“If at all you are going to make their batters struggle, you do have an opportunity with your spinners. You can beat them in flight, you can try something like that. I will drop Shardul Thakur. Prasidh Krishna, if you drop him now, it’s unfair. He has played one Test only. It’s unfair to drop anyone after their debut. Shardul Thakur does not fit the bill,” Srikkanth added.
India will be looking to level the two-match series in Cape Town. In the eight Test series, India’s played in South Africa, they’ve lost seven and drawn just one.
