IND vs ENG 1st Test: Ravindra Jadeja picked over Ravi Ashwin in 1st Test

IND vs ENG 1^st Test: Ravindra Jadeja picked over Ravi Ashwin in 1^st Test against England, misses out Test jersey after nearly 2 years: Ravindra Jadeja’s selection in India’s playing squad against England in the opening Test at Trent Bridge has not just come in as a surprise but has become a talking point across the cricketing fraternity. Ashwin last missed out on his appearance in the India whites against West Indies overseas in August 2019. His immediate exclusion from the playing squad despite having no injury has raised many eyebrows.

Though Jadeja’s inclusion over Ashwin might not affect the batting depth much as both the spin bowlers are equal in terms of competency with the willow. However, Ashwin’s surprise axing from the squad has made the cricket analysts talking.

IND vs ENG 1^st Test: Ravi Ashwin’s recent form

Ravichandran Ashwin took a six-wicket haul in the second innings of his Surrey debut in the four-day county match against Somerset at the Oval in July.
His performance in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton (in June) where he scalped 4 wickets in his two outings and returned with an economy of 1.80.
He managed to emerge as an economical bowler in Southampton where it was difficult to even grip the bowl.
His century against England in Chennai earlier during the year speaks of his batting skills.

Also read: IND vs ENG 1st Test Live: KL Rahul to open with Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja replaces R Ashwin as only; Shardul Thakur in ahead of Ishant Sharma

IND vs ENG 1^st Test: Is India’s decision to play Jadeja over Ashwin right?

The green cover at Trent Bridge means that the wicket is fast-paced and will assist the fast bowling. On the spinners’ front, Jadeja has slightly more speed in his deliveries compared to Ashwin’s slow bowling. With the duo possessing all-the-more same batting acumen, selectors might have preferred Jadeja in Ashwin’s place accounting for the conditions on offer in Nottingham.

Here are the Twitter reactions that followed Ashwin’s absence from the squad.

Wow … No @ashwinravi99 !!!! #ENGvIND

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 4, 2021

No Ashwin?! #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/JC3buwzdH6

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 4, 2021

The worry with the tail has meant that India has gone in with the all-rounder in Jadeja rather than the best spinner in the world in Ashwin. It is a horses for courses selection for Trent Bridge where 84% of wickets in recent times have gone to pace

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 4, 2021

One player who showed intent by smashing a hundred on a turning track in Chennai and even played a County game to prepare for the tour during break period is going to warm the bench at Nottingham. Nobody has showed more intent than Ashwin. Has done everything the team asks for.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) August 4, 2021

IND vs ENG 1^st Test: Ravindra Jadeja picked over Ravi Ashwin in 1^st Test against England, misses out Test jersey after nearly 2 years

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