Ridiculous: Ravichandran Ashwin snub in 5th Test match baffles Michael Vaughan at Edgbaston
India Today
India opted for four pacers and Ravindra Jadeja in the fifth and final Test match of India’s tour of England.
Ravichandran Ashwin was snubbed for the final Test match of India’s tour of England as the visitors opted to play four pacers and one spin-bowling allrounder in Ravindra Jadeja. In the overcast conditions at Edgbaston, captain Jasprit Bumrah came out and said that India will be playing a bowling attack of Mohhamad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur and the captain Bumrah himself, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who has had a good showing in the Test format in recent time.
The selection came with criticism from a section of fans, who expected the off spinner to get a game in Edgbaston, a ground that historically aids spin conditions. However, it needs to be noted that on the day, overcast conditions and the prediction of rain could have influenced the call of the Indian management.
It was expected that India would pick two spinners for the final Test match, with Ashwin expected to be leading the attack which would have comprised of Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari, if needed. Ahead of the game, England all-rounder and local lad Moeen Ali had predicted Ashwin’s place in the playing XI stating that Birmingham had been quite sunny for the last few days.
Reacting to the selection call, former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed that it was ridiculous to not play the veteran spinner.
No @ashwinravi99 !!!! Ridiculous .. #ENGvIND
