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Ravi Ashwin Or Washington Sundar: Who Should Play In 3rd Test vs Australia In Brisbane?

Aashay Chopade

Washington Sundar was dropped for the 2nd Test (Source: AP Photos)Washington Sundar was dropped for the 2nd Test (Source: AP Photos)

India are currently in Australia for five-match Test series and the home team made a strong comeback in the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval after losing the Perth encounter. Australia won the second Test by 10 wickets and India have lot to ponder ahead of the third Test at the Gabba.

One of the important discussions would be about the team combination as the changes India made for the second Test did not help them to get the desired result. One of those changes was that India decided to go with experienced Ravichandran Ashwin in place of Washington Sundar. 

However, Ashwin could not make much of an impact and here are the three reasons why India should bring back Washington Sundar in place of Ravichandran Ashwin.

 Bounce In Gabba Would Favour Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is a tall bowler and has a high-arm action which will help him extract more bounce from the Gabba Pitch that is known for its pace anc carry for the bowlers. Ashwin, on the other hand is more of a traditonal off-spinner who relies on other variations and spin to get wickets. 

There is not likely to be great help for the spinners, but Washington Sundar can use the extra bounce, and the last time he played at the Gabba, he picked four crucial wickets which shows that he can make an impact again.

More Cushion To Struggling Batting Order

Washington Sundar is a genuine all-rounder and has a better technique than Ravi Ashwin to handle the might of Australian bowling attack in seaming conditions. So, his presence will help India with more cushion in the batting order which has struggled in three out of the four innings so far. His compact technique can help India with some crucial runs lower down the order and if needed he can be promoted in the batting line-up too, as he recently scored a century at number 3 in Ranji Trophy.

Also, Washington Sundar scored 62 in his maiden Test innings at the Gabba and then scored crucial 22 runs in the second outing under pressure to stage India's memorable win in 2020-21 BGT. It shows that Sundar has the skills to deliver with the bat in tough conditions and pressure situations and his addition it could help India in Brisbane.

Recent Success For Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar was the star of the show for India in the two Tests he played against New Zealand. He picked 16 wickets in two Tests while Ashwin struggled to deliver according to his billing. 

Also, Ashwin could not do much in the Adelaide Test and picked just a solitary wicket. Sundar grabbed two wickets, so there is not much difference there, but Sundar surely provides more all-round skills and looking at the conditions and his exploits in Gabba and against New Zealand recently, he should be preferred in the third Test.