Ravichandran Ashwin narrates riveting anecdote involving Rahul Dravid's 'Ashes' discourse from ongoing Caribbean tour

Other than a very good brand of cricket, the Ashes 2023 will be remembered for the infamous Jonny Bairstow and Alex Carey stumping saga, which divided the cricketing fraternity. Notably, the England stumper-batter stepped out of his crease right after Cameron Green’s bouncer, but he had no intention to take a single. Seeing a potential stumping opportunity, Alex Carey didn’t shy to dismiss the bails as the third umpire eventually asked the batter to walk back to the pavilion.

Ever since the incident, many believe that Australia skipper Pat Cummins should have called Bairstow back as part of Spirit of the Game, while others talk about the law. Interestingly, the discussion reached the Indian dressing room as well. Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin narrated a hilarious story saying that the Indian coach, too, got involved in the debate as he had an hour-long chat with the bartender and waiter on the Caribbean shores.

“The other day, we were sitting on a beach, and Rahul bhai bought me a lemon juice. He had a one-hour discussion with the bartender and waiter on whether Jonny Bairstow was out or not. They spoke about rules, the spirit of cricket, and everything in their discussion. They are all so passionate. Then suddenly an old man came and declared, ‘He Bairstow maan, he out maan!’” Ashwin revealed the incident on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin likely to make his return to the playing XI against West Indies

After warming the bench in the World Test Championship final, spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin is very likely to make his return to the playing XI. Skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that two spinners will be playing the opening Test at Dominica, and thus, it is expected that Ashwin will be pairing with Ravindra Jadeja. 

Notably, the 36-year-old has represented India in 92 Test matches, picking up 474 wickets in the process. He has struggled in the West Indies in past as the cricketer has 17 wickets to his name in four matches, but he is nevertheless expected to do well in the upcoming two-match series.