Big boundaries in Australia will help Indian bowlers: R Ashwin


image-l92sy6p7R Ashwin | PC: Twitter

India's star all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin justified the team's lacklustre bowling against South Africa in the recent T20I series at home, saying there's a huge difference in the field dimensions between India and Australia.

Notably, India recently played a three-match T20I series against South Africa at home before heading to Perth for the showpiece event. In the series, team India's lustreless bowling saw them concede over 200 runs on two occasions. 

Weighing in on the same, R Ashwin said that the boundaries in Australia are quite big as compared to India, and bowling in the country Down Under provides the bowlers an edge so that they can execute their plans well. 

Addressing a press conference in Australia, here's what Ashwin had to say on India's bowling:  

"Look, we can get caught up with what happens in T20 games and bilateral series back at home."

“It's only fair to say the bowlers are getting hit around the park but we also need to understand the boundaries are very close to the 30-yard circle in India. When we come to Australia, the boundaries are far bigger, giving the bowlers a bit of license to work with.”

Ashwin further opined on the key factor in Australia, stating that acclimating to Australian conditions and taking calculated risks while bowling will help the teams in the T20 World Cup. 

"It's also very important to understand these conditions, the lengths you have to bowl, and be brave enough to take those 50-50 options in these places. It's a completely new experience, just start fresh, start the book completely new.” 

Team India suffered back-to-back blows ahead of the marquee event. First, their ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the tournament owing to a knee injury then the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was also ruled out of the tournament as his back injury resurfaced just two matches after his return from a two-month layoff. 

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian management is yet to announce the replacement for Bumrah. As per reports the senior pacer Mohammad Shami is the front-runner in this regard as he has plenty of experience of bowling in Australia.


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