Former England spinner Graeme Swann has rated R Ashwin the best off-spinner in Test cricket currently. Swann said Nathan Lyon was a close competitor, but kept Ashwin slightly ahead due to his variations and consistency.
“Ashwin is easily the best off-spinner in the world. His record in the subcontinent is phenomenal and I loved the way he bowled at Edgbaston,” Swann said to Times Of India.
“Australia’s Nathan Lyon has come up brilliantly and I’m impressed by the fact that he has been successful back home. He hasn’t been as effective in England and I would keep Ashwin just ahead because of the variations he has, in addition to being brilliantly consistent.”
The former England off-spinner also lauded Rashid Khan’s rise and hoped the Afghanistan leg-spinner would be effective in Test cricket as well.
“Yes, he (Ashwin) is the best in Tests but in T20s you can’t look beyond Rashid Khan,” insisted Swann. “He has a fast arm, great googly and is a brilliant story as well. Rashid is just a very exciting cricketer and I would love to see him be successful in Tests as well, as and when he gets to play regularly.”
