In a few hours from now, India begins its journey to beat South Africa in a Test series, for the very first time. A series that is traditionally hard on the batters; fast bowlers make hay, in conditions that swing, seam, and offer bounce. The batsmen have no real respite, except for the time when the spinners are operating.
Records suggest, that spinners are not really a necessity in South Africa, be it for the visitors, or even the home team. India has two spinners in their ranks — R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, but only one is likely to play. While both are terrific spinners, SA is not the place for their craft. Although Jadeja might just make the cut for being a superior batsman.
R Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja in South Africa
Ashwin is India’s one of most successful spinners overall, with 489 wickets in 94 Tests, but his record in SA is poor. In the six matches he has played in the nation, he has only picked 10 wickets, at an average of over 50. Out of that, five wickets came in one match only. As for Jadeja, he has played only Test in SA, and in that, he bagged six wickets, at an average of 25.
This only means that Ashwin, who is a master in adapting to different conditions, should not be considered in the series at all unless there is an injury concern to any of the players. Usually, his deliveries don’t offer that much bounce as well, which could trouble the batsmen in SA.
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