Former England captain and commentator Michael Vaughan believes that the ace off-spinner R Ashwin should be included in Team India's playing XI for the third Test against England, starting on Wednesday (August 25) at Headingley, Leeds.
Ashwin was not selected for the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match Test series as the Indian cricket team went with the four fast bowlers and one spinning all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja.
Well, Vaughan has pointed out that the pitch at Headingley has historically assisted the spinner as the match progressed and he would be amazed if Ashwin doesn't play in the third Test against England.
He believes that spin can play a part at Headingley and India should go with a combination of three pacers and two spinners for the third Test, saying Ishant Sharma should make way for Ashwin in Leeds.
Vaughan told Cricbuzz, “It looks like it's a very good week, it's going to be very dry, nice, and sunny so I'd be amazed if Ashwin doesn't play this week. I think they will go with three pacers and two spinners, and I think that will be the right call at Headingley, it also packs the batting.”
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He added, “Play your three out and out, outstanding quick bowlers. Maybe Ishant Sharma would miss out even though he bowled a nice spell on the last day at Lord's. The last few years after seeing the England team play there and even county cricket, it's got quite a bit of spin. You can get a bit of spin. It generally comes on Day 3, 4 and 5 but spin can play a part at Leeds.”
On being asked how he would speak to Ashwin if he misses out for the third Test in a row in England, Vaughan said the best interests of the team always come first and he would not have any ounce of worry informing the veteran spinner that he is not playing.
He signed off by saying, “Virat Kohli is a tough captain, he will make the right decision for what he believes is the right team this week. I don't think Virat, and I, would have any ounce of worry going up to R Ashwin and saying 'you're not playing' if I felt it was right for the team.”
