IND vs AUS Pink Ball Test: Why Is R Ashwin Playing Ahead Of Washington Sundar?

Abhinav Tyagi

R Ashwin - (Source:@Johns/X.com)R Ashwin - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

The 2nd Test between India and Australia is underway at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. India are leading the series 1-0. The ongoing match is a Pink-ball Test. The last time the Rohit Sharma-led side faced Australia in a Day/Night Test, they suffered humilation, including the infamous 36 all-out. 

Nonetheless, for the ongoing match, India opted for three changes. Skipper Rohit Sharma replaced Devdutt Padikkal, while Shubman Gill also returned to the side. Interestingly, R Ashwin, who was benched in the Perth Test, has also been added to the side, in place of Washington Sundar.

When Sundar was picked over Ashwin and Jadeja in the first Test, it was touted that he would be the sole spinner for the rest of the matches. However, Ashwin's pick has come as a surprise for many, but there are several reasons which proves why he should be a starter for India in pink-ball Tests. 

1. Leading Wicket-Taker For India In Pink-Ball Tests

It is worth noting that Ashwin is the leading wicket-taker for India in Pink-Ball Tests and has taken 18 wickets. Thus, it is hard to ignore the off-spinner for the Adelaide Test. Here is the list of leading wicket-taker for India in Pink-Ball Tests.

Player
Wickets
R Ashwin18
Axar Patel14
Umesh Yadav11
Jasprit Bumrah10
Ishant Sharma10

2. Off-Spinners Are Tough To Face In Pink Ball Tests

Generally, the pink-ball Tests are a paradise for seamers, but when it comes to spinners, the record shows that off-spinners have been the most successful one. When we above shed light on Ashwin's stats, his counterpart, Nathan Lyon also has a great record in pink-ball Tests. 

It is worth noting that he is the 2nd leading wicket-taker in Pink ball Test history with 43 wickets in 12 matches. He is only behind Mitchell Starc in this list.