Steve Waugh feels Ravichandran Ashwin is the 'Bradman of bowling' at the moment

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Steve Waugh
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Steve Waugh. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images for Laureus)

Australia is all set to face India in a 4 match Test series starting on 23rd February and the stakes are high for both teams. While Australia will look to turn their fortunes around in sub-continental conditions, India will look to stamp their authority and strengthen their numero uno status in the latest ICC Test Rankings for teams. With the series to commence in 10 days time, the verbal volleys from either court have already started with former captains from either team predicting the outcome of the series.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has recently said that India would go on to beat Australia by a 4-0 margin and the visitors will struggle to cope with the Indian conditions. Former Aussie captain Steve Waugh was not far behind and responded to Sourav’s claim by saying that it would be foolish to write off a side like that.

“It’s foolish to write a side off like that. I think anything can happen. India hasn’t seen a lot of our players. I believe (Mitchell) Starc is the best quick bowler in the world and (Josh) Hazlewood is right up there. The spinners – jury’s out a bit there but Lyon is a very good competitor,” Steve was quoted as saying by Times of India on Tuesday.

“Sourav is a bit optimistic and I’ll challenge him on the quote that Australia is going to be beaten 4-0,” he further added. The former captain was quick to agree that this is one of the strongest Indian sides in the recent past and also called Indian spin-ace Ravichandran Ashwin as the “Bradman of Bowling” at the moment.

Also read: Sunil Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli to break Clive Llyod’s record of unbeaten 27 Tests

Ashwin is like the (Don) Bradman of bowling at the moment. His record is equivalent to what Bradman did with batting and he’s a pretty handy batsman as well. He’s the player I think we have to overcome if we can do that we have a chance,” one of the most successful captains said. Steve further added that Australia can’t think of winning the series without remaining positive.

“You go to India and you have to be positive, England should have won that first Test and from then the momentum totally changed. If things start going against you it’s really hard to change the tide, you got to stay calm under pressure,” Steve said. Steve was among the very few cricketers who averaged much more playing abroad (55.85) than at home (47.58) so it is very strange to him as for why the batsmen failed to adjust to overseas conditions.

“Everyone’s form away from home has been dismal and I don’t know why that is. Everyone plays a lot around the world, we have neutral umpires, no excuses not to play well away from home. I always used to enjoy playing overseas and felt there was less pressure, away from all the expectations of friends and family as well, you can tend to relax when you are playing away from home,” he said.

Waugh feels the one player who will probably give a headache or two to Virat Kohli is none other than David Warner who has been in an unreal form off late. “Warner is an amazing player. He’s changing the way opening batting is looked at and he’s really defining the role. But he’s going to be facing Ashwin in the first or second over every time and I don’t think there is going to be two opening pace bowlers coming against him. Indian crowds are in for a treat because he is an amazing player to watch,” Waugh pointed out.

Also read: Suresh Raina withdraws his name from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Waugh who led Australia in 57 Tests also feels that the team is now thriving under the able leadership of Virat Kohli. “In Indian conditions they are very hard to beat. Kohli’s leadership is contagious and players rally around him. Virat feels like they can do anything. He’s a big like a warrior and feels like he can do anything. This new Team India can achieve anything,” Waugh concluded.

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