India are all set to host Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting September 22. It will be the final rehearsal for both teams before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to get underway on October 5 in India.
On Monday (September 18), the BCCI men's selection committee announced India’s squad for the 50-over series against Australia and there was a notable inclusion in it.
R Ashwin, who played his last ODI in January 2022, received a call-up to the side, which indicates that the veteran off-spinner might be considered for the World Cup if Akshar Patel fails to recover in time from the quadriceps injury.
Ashwin was recently seen training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under the supervision of chief VVS Laxman and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule.
Ashwin is likely to play a local 50-over game before joining the team in Mohali for the Australia ODI series.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Ashwin will take part in a league of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The VAP Trophy’s one-day league is currently taking place and the 37-year-old will take the field on Tuesday (September 19). In fact, he featured in several local three-day games a few weeks ago.
“He wants to spend some time on the ground, and a 50-over game will provide him with that opportunity. He recently visited the NCA for routine maintenance work on his body and to hone his skills under the guidance of spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. He’s determined to prepare himself comprehensively for any and all challenges,” a TNCA official quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
As per a Mid-Day report, the Indian team management approached Ashwin after Akshar strained his left quadriceps during the Asia Cup. However, the ace off-spinner declined the offer as he was unable to get ready in such a short notice. The management then reached out to Washington Sundar, who took the first flight to Colombo and played the final.
Addressing a press conference, India skipper Rohit Sharma on Monday said: “With the kind of experience Ashwin has, he has played close to 100 Tests (94), close to 150 ODIs (113). Yes, it was all in the past but he has been consistently playing Test cricket. With guys like Ashwin, having time on the ground is not so much of a concern which is why we thought if he’s an option, we need to get him in. But with the kind of experience he has, for guys like him it’s all in the head more than the body."
