R Ashwin’s variations, his experience and guile make him a deadly proposition but facing him becomes even more challenging if you are a left-hander. No wonder, Australia batter Matt Renshaw termed Ashwin as one of the biggest challenges for him and in their batting unit which has a number of left-handers in David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and himself in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting February 9.
“Ashwin is difficult to face. He is a smart bowler with a lot of variations and he uses them very well, but you do get used to him once you’ve faced him for a while,” Renshaw, 26, was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press on Wednesday.
“I think the big challenge from Ashwin and any off-spinner in spinning conditions to a left-hander is the lbw threat.” Renshaw indicated Australia should be wary of Ashwin’s delivery that doesn’t spin and has caused a lot of LBW dismissals.
“Obviously everyone thinks about the one that turns and gets you caught at slip, but the big one is the lbw when it doesn’t spin. You just have to be ready for that one. “I think two years batting at No.5 helped me with facing spin. I know my game a lot better now and I am a lot more comfortable in different situations,” he added.
