The much-anticipated India-Australia contest is set to kick off at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Friday. The venue, known for its fiery pitch and high bounce, has become a battleground for fast bowlers over the years. However, with spin bowling playing a growing role in recent years, many are wondering whether the Washington Sundar-Ravichandran Ashwin combo could prove to be a game-changer, or if it’s a gamble unfit for the bounce-heavy conditions of Perth.
Historically, Perth has been a haven for fast bowlers. The bounce and pace of the pitch often leave the batsmen at the mercy of seamers. The likes of Nathan Lyon have found themselves somewhat on the sidelines during this time, with spinners often struggling to make their mark. But over the years, there have been subtle changes in the way spinners are employed, and their performance has evolved.
One of the key talking points ahead of this Test series is the potential inclusion of Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s lineup. While India’s seam attack will undoubtedly be the focal point, the inclusion of spin bowlers in Perth could raise some eyebrows. Traditionally, spinners have had a tough time on the bounce-friendly pitches of Western Australia. The Optus Stadium is known for its tough nature, where only the best seamers thrive due to the lack of turn or assistance for spinners. However, former Australia assistant coach and spin expert Sridharan Sriram believes that Sundar’s extra bounce, generated from his taller release, could make him a viable option.
Sundar, who has impressed in various formats, brings an interesting angle to the Indian attack. His ability to extract bounce from pitches that often favor seamers could prove useful in Perth. It’s this unique trait that has made him a topic of discussion among cricketing circles. His tall frame and high-arm action give him the leverage to generate bounce that could trouble even the best of the Australian batsmen.
Adding to the spin department is Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s veteran of many battles. While Ashwin has enjoyed success in subcontinental conditions, his performance in overseas conditions has been inconsistent. But there is no denying his expertise and the ability to adapt. In the past, Ashwin has shown his class against Australia, and his craft with the ball could bring another layer of attack to India’s strategy. His knowledge of varying the pace and flight could be crucial in slowing down the Australian batting lineup, especially during moments when the seamers might take a breather.
Australia’s Nathan Lyon, the premier spinner for the home team, has excelled in Perth over the years. Lyon’s ability to extract bounce and turn, combined with his craftiness, has made him a constant threat on Australian soil. His success on bounce-friendly pitches serves as a testament to how spinners can still play a crucial role on such tracks, provided they possess the skills to adjust and find the right line and length.
With Sundar and Ashwin, India will be hoping to emulate Lyon’s success and make their own mark on a pitch that is primarily seen as a fast-bowler’s paradise. However, this combination is not without its risks. India’s seamers, who include the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav, are likely to be the main focus. The spin duo, however, will have their work cut out for them. They will need to find ways to extract as much bounce and turn as possible from a track that is traditionally unforgiving to spinners. It could be a calculated gamble, with India banking on the versatility and adaptability of Sundar and Ashwin to make a difference in Perth.
Ultimately, the question remains: is the Washington Sundar-Ravichandran Ashwin combo a calculated risk worth taking, or is it an unnecessary gamble in conditions that are more conducive to seam bowling? Only time will tell. However, one thing is certain – the combination could make for an interesting subplot in an otherwise pace-dominated series. With both Sundar and Ashwin capable of making key breakthroughs, their performance will play a crucial role in India’s chances of success in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
As India gears up to face Australia at the Optus Stadium, there is a certain air of curiosity surrounding their spin department. Traditionally, when visiting teams have come to Australia, they have relied heavily on their fast-bowling arsenal, given the seaming conditions. But India’s approach has been evolving in recent years, with spinners such as Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin, and now Washington Sundar, emerging as viable options, even on bouncy tracks. It’s not just about traditional spin, but more about how these bowlers adapt and exploit the conditions that could make them a key factor in the game.
One of the important aspects to consider is the mindset of the Australian batsmen, who have historically struggled against quality spinners. Even on quick, bouncy pitches, Australia’s batting order can sometimes show vulnerability to accurate, well-flighted deliveries. Ashwin, in particular, has been known to outthink batsmen with his ability to bowl variations that confuse even the best in the business. His past performances against Australia, especially in subcontinent conditions, highlight his capacity to outwit aggressive batsmen, making him a dangerous proposition even on a surface that isn’t spinning as much.
Washington Sundar, despite being relatively new to international cricket, has already shown his mettle in multiple formats. His rise as a promising all-rounder has seen him feature in high-stakes matches, including the famous Test series win in Australia earlier this year. Sundar’s calm demeanor and ability to bowl with a straight line, coupled with his natural bounce, could be pivotal in keeping Australia’s top order in check. As a bowler who isn’t just reliant on turn, Sundar has the potential to make an impact on a track like Perth, where bounce often plays a major role.
The presence of two spinners in a lineup traditionally suited for pacers is bold, but it also reflects India’s changing mindset toward balance and adaptability in their squad selection. The combination of Ashwin’s experience and Sundar’s height and bounce could create an interesting dynamic, offering variety for the Australian batsmen to handle. Their partnership could create a threat that the home team may not have been fully prepared for, especially in the middle overs, where spin often plays a key role in stifling runs.
On the flip side, India’s pacers are the frontline bowlers for this tour, with Bumrah, Shami, and Yadav leading the attack. These bowlers are expected to extract the maximum advantage from the pitch, keeping Australia’s top order in check early on. However, the team’s strategists might view the inclusion of Ashwin and Sundar as more of a tactical move to strengthen their middle-over bowling and provide options when the seamers need rest. The duo could also become a disruptive force when Australia’s middle-order faces the challenge of slowing the run rate or dealing with fresh batsmen.
It will be interesting to see how India balances the needs of their attack, knowing full well that on bouncy pitches like Perth’s, fast bowlers generally dominate. Yet, spinners have found ways to make their presence felt. Lyon’s success on these pitches could serve as a blueprint for India’s spinners. If Sundar and Ashwin can replicate some of Lyon’s approach — maintaining accuracy and varying their deliveries to adapt to the bounce — they could add a new dimension to the Indian attack.
While there is no denying that Perth is an unforgiving venue for spinners, the combination of Sundar’s bounce and Ashwin’s experience presents an exciting prospect. They may not have the same reputation as the pacers, but in a high-stakes Test series, surprises often come from the unlikeliest sources. India’s gamble with Sundar and Ashwin could be a smart move if they are able to provide the necessary balance between aggression and containment. The real challenge lies in whether these spinners can exploit every bit of assistance the pitch provides, and whether they can manage to disrupt the Australian batting lineup at crucial moments.