VVS Laxman baffled by Ashwin’s exclusion in the second test at Lord’s

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India have been able to keep a stronghold over the hosts so far in the first test at the home of cricket, Lord’s. But Indian team’s decision to exclude their ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has not sat well with many experts. Recently, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has expressed his disappointment over this issue. 

Indian fast bowler Shardul Thakur was ruled out of the second test due to a hamstring injury. Then the debate in the team management was about who should be picked in place of Shardul. They had the option of Ravi Ashwin, who was left out of the first test as well. Ashwin also took six wicket hall in a county game not long ago. But the team management went with veteran pacer Ishant Sharma ahead of the legendary spinner.

Team India’s reason for selecting Ishant ahead of Ashwin might be because Kohli recently said that they are preferring a four pace attack in England. This may be because of the conditions and the slight cover of grass on the pitch. But if the team management plays four pacers, Jadeja has to come in as the lone spinner as he provides stability to the batting order. He proved his worth to the team by scoring a valuable fifty in the first test.

Ashwin went from first choice spinner in WTC final to not being good enough to be picked in the XI : VVS Laxman

However, VVS Laxman is unable to comprehend this decision. The Indian stalwart is surprised that Ashwin went from being the first-choice spinner in the WTC final last month, is not good enough to make the XI now.

While speaking with ESPNCRICINFO, Laxman said “Ishant Sharma walks into the team if he is a 100% fit, maybe in place of Mohammed Siraj. I’m not able to comprehend what changed from WTC finals when Ashwin was your first-choice spinner and suddenly in a matter of a month, he’s not even finding a place in the XI.”

Laxman feels that the fourth seamer always ends up being under-bowled irrespective of the conditions. Also, the pitch is looking dry despite a small covering of grass. If the pitch is exposed to constant sunlight, spinners might come into play. Hence, Indian team will miss the services of Ravi Ashwin in these circumstances.

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