Monty Panesar and Ravichandran Ashwin (Source – Getty Images)
Indian all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, was the chief propellent for the Indian team as they toppled over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ashwin won the Player of the Match accolade for his all-round display which included his sixth Test century and a wonderful six-wicket haul in the first and fourth innings of the game, respectively.
Former English spinner, Monty Panesar, commented on the approach the England and Wales Cricket Board would’ve taken had Ashwin played for England.
“They experiment more. If Ashwin was English right now, then they would have told him to retire because they want to bring youngsters who have the potential to play. But I think England experiments more, and they like to experiment,” stated Panesar, as quoted by NDTV Sports.
This comes in the light of one of Panesar’s former teammates, the legendary James Anderson, being virtually forced out of the red-ball setup by the managing director and head coach despite quite clearly expressing the desire and willingness to play more than he was eventually limited to.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Virat Kohli’s main concern during first Test against Bangladesh
Former English cricket, David Lloyd, had written on the same in his column previously.
“He was forced out because of his age. In this era of inclusivity, it takes the biscuit that someone has been stopped for that reason. Reader, let me tell you: I know the feeling. Inclusivity, my arse,” Lloyd had written in his column.
I think I see Nathan Lyon in my opinion: Panesar
Panesar, who himself was a menace to opposition batters during his playing days, also provided his opinion on whom he thought was a better spinner between Nathan Lyon and Ashwin.
“I think I see Nathan Lyon in my opinion. Yes, he is a better bowler. But, I think Ashwin is a better bowler in India. I think he thinks like a batter when he bowls,” added Panesar.
The Indian bowling all-rounder’s previous Test was his 101st and it remains to be seen till what period of time does he remain in the reckoning as far as the longest format is concerned, especially considering a few spinners climbing up the ladder as seen in the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy.