Chopra explained why Ashwin's absence can hurt India in the second Test against England.
Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team’s decision to sit out one of India's most successful bowlers R Ashwin in the ongoing second Test may come back to haunt the tourists against England, as the pitch at Lord's is slowing down.
In the ongoing second Test of the five-match Test series at Lord’s, Team India continued with the same template as the first Test, going in with four pacers and one spinner in Ravindra Jadeja, as Ashwin was again ignored and Chopra feels the veteran spinner’s absence will hurt the tourists against England.
India had a great start in the second Test, but once the middle-order collapsed, England didn't allow the lower order to put more runs, as the tourists got bowled out for 364 in the first innings on Day 2 at Lord’s and Chopra said they are missing a good batsman in the lower middle-order to score crucial runs.
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Well, since the pitch at Lord’s Cricket Stadium is getting slower, the former cricketer feels India needs spin on the fourth and fifth day of the second Test and the off-spinner Ashwin would have been a key for the tourists, as he can score crucial runs for the team as well.
Chopra said on his YouTube channel; “Let's be fair, let's be honest, the tail was too long. Shami, Siraj, Bumrah, Ishant -- I mean you don't expect a lot of runs. So it has come back to bite you because none of the four fast bowlers you played bat.”
He concluded, “You have not played Ravichandran Ashwin and this pitch is getting slower. The edges are also not carrying and that's another thing that is going to be a regular feature of this Test match that the pitch is getting slower and slightly lower. You need spin on the fourth and fifth day, it is almost certain.”
(With ANI Inputs)