R Ashwin has reacted to Cricket Australia and the Australian cricket community’s antics ahead of the four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 Trophy series, as they have done things that have made people sit up and notice ahead of the 1st Test in Nagpur on February 9.
Australia have roped in Baroda’s Mahesh Pithiya to prepare for Ashwin’s threat as Pithiya has a bowling action similar to that of the Tamil Nadu bowler. R Ashwin, who doesn't mind speaking his mind, even on delicate topics, has decided to give his opinion on Australia's pre-series antics as well.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin decided to call out Cricket Australia's antics, suggesting the tourists know how to make the news go 'viral'.
“This Mahesh Pithiya has made his debut for Baroda and has bowled really well for them as well. But they presented the news in such a way that it became viral immediately. They know exactly what to do to make a news viral and they have been really good at this for quite some time now," Ashwin said.
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The tweaker also talked about Ian Healy’s comment that Australia will win if India produces sporting and fair wickets, but lose if rank turners are made.
"At the same time, Ian Healy has said, "If you give a fair wicket, Australia will win; if you give a turning wicket, India will win." Because he also knows which statement will become viral and controversial. We know the template, right? A family-audience subject, with 5 songs, 5 fights, 2 emotional scenes, 1 good climax, a good opening scene for a Thala-Thalapathy movie will become a super hit. They will say it will become a hit in A-center and B-center," the off-spinner asserted.
Most recently, Cricket Australia's social media team riled up the Indian fans as they posted the highlights of India’s ignominious 36 all-out innings from the Adelaide Test in the 2020-21 tour of Australia.
“Likewise, the social media team of Cricket Australia knows what news will get them traction," Ashwin concluded.
Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004 while India holds the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after defeating Australia at home in 2017 and in their own backyard in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
(NDTV inputs)
