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'Chasing Has Become..' - R Ashwin Shares His Thought On Edgbaston Cliffhanger

image-lj8g1al4Australia defeated England by 2 wickets in Edgbaston Test [Source: AP]

India off-spinner R Ashwin believes Australia 'neutralised' England's fire with their ice-cool attitude by playing conventional cricket to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series at Edgbaston. 

Following their declaration at 393/8 on Day 1, Ben Stokes-led side set Australia a 281-run target. The match seemed to swing in England's favour as Australia were reduced to 227/8 at one point.

However, it was then when the Australia captain Pat Cummins took charge and joined hands with Nathan Lyon, sharing an unbeaten fifty-run partnership to guide Australia to a thrilling two-wicket victory. 


Here’s what Ashwin said in his YouTube channel: 

“England were fire. Australia were ice. Australia neutralised England's fire with their ice-cool attitude (in Ashes opener). Firstly, the origin of Bazball: Till a couple of years back, England had pitches full of life. The ball used to seam all over the place. Batters struggled, except for Joe Root.”

The off-spinner further shed light on why England’s much-hyped ‘Bazball’ approach backfired for the Three Lions in the first Test, stating the drastic change in English pitches over the last two years.  

“So, they decided. If we give pitches like this, it's going to be tough. So, let's give batting pitches and increase the tempo, score runs fast, and give bowlers more time. England did it successfully." 

Ashwin also explained why Australia dominated England in the first Test, saying that chasing has become relatively easier in England. The Tamil Nadu cricketer reasoned that the batting-friendly conditions at Edgbaston played a significant role in keeping Australia into the game. 

“In the last two years, fourth-inning chases in England have become possible. Look at Cummins and Lyon! It has become an imaginable thing. Previously, 250+ chases in the fourth innings were incredibly difficult.” 

The second Ashes Test between the arch-rivals starts on July 28 at Lord's.