Ravichandran Ashwin has struggled in England because the conditions are more batting-friendly: Graeme Swann

Ravichandran Ashwin may not be an active part of Team India’s white-ball expeditions. However, the off-spinner has been a vital force in the traditional format, especially in home conditions.

Ashwin has scalped 365 wickets in the purest format, out of which he has accounted for 254 at home at an impressive average of 22.62. However, Ashwin has taken only 68 wickets while playing in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia), resulting in people questioning his ability to perform in overseas conditions.

However, former England skipper Graeme Swann, who has a major contributor for England’s 2-1 series win over India in 2012-13, believes that Ashwin is quite underrated in overseas condition.

Ashwin doesn’t need to do a lot differently: Graeme Swann

Swann pointed out that Ashwin has struggled in England because of the pitch and conditions being more batting-friendly. Ashwin, according to Swann, is a much better bowler than people give him credit for.

“In England or Australia, the whole game is different. In India, there is less bounce and more spin. So there is a bigger margin of error for him. He doesn’t necessarily need a bigger margin of error, but Indian captains can control the pace of the Test match in India, making him extremely effective. He has struggled in England because the conditions are more batting-friendly while facing spin,” said Swann in an interview with the Times of India.

“When he came to England in 2018, he bowled beautifully in the first Test. But he had an injury before the Southampton Test and wasn’t able to finish his action.

To be honest, he is a much better bowler than people give him credit for in English conditions. He doesn’t need to do a lot differently. I just didn’t like it when he started bowling leg-spinners for a brief period,” he added.

Ashwin’s last expedition for Team India was during their two-match Test series against New Zealand, where he plucked 3 for 99 in the only innings he got to bowl. 33-year-old Ashwin didn’t feature in the playing XI for the second and final Test.

India are slated to tour Australia in the much-awaited four-match Test series in the latter part of the year. Ashwin will be eager to silence his critics and deliver an impressive bowling performance Down Under.