Sydney: The ever inquisitive Ravichandran Ashwin, who has a knack for learning new things, and much-improved batsman Ravindra Jadeja have stood out for India in the first two Tests against Australia, skipper Ajinkya Rahane said Wednesday. Ashwin is currently leading the wicket-takers’ chart with 10 scalps. On the other hand, Jadeja’s half century and the hundred plus stand with skipper Ajinkya Rahane in the second Test formed the cornerstone of India’s eight-wicket win in Melbourne.
“He (Ashwin) is always looking to learn new things. He has good skills but is always looking to learn, and that’s what makes Ashwin great,” Rahane said at the pre-game press conference here.
The captain couldn’t be happier with the Tamil Nadu tweaker’s success. “I hope that he continues for next two Test matches and do the job for us,” added the skipper.
If Ashwin’s improvisation has impressed Rahane, he is mighty pleased with Jadeja’s Test match application. It adds the necessary balance the team have often lacked. “As a batsman Jadeja has improved a lot and that is a massive point as a team’s perspective,” Rahane said.
“When you know that your number seven can contribute with the bat that becomes really easy for you to actually get that (decent) total. Then he chips in with wickets and obviously in the field, you have seen him taking some brilliant catches. So yes his addition in the team helped us a lot. He has been really fantastic and it is really great for us,” added Rahane.
Rahane also dwelt on life in hard quarantine. However, he was quick to point out that team members were adjusting to it quite capably and it won’t reflect on their performances.
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Rahane is happy with Rohit Sharma’s addition to the playing XI. The skipper informed that his deputy has had some seven to eight net sessions as he gears up for his first Test in 13 months.
“He (Rohit) is batting really well in the nets. He has had good seven-eight sessions. He came to Melbourne, started his practise straight away when our Test match got over,” Rahane said making it clear that Rohit will open the innings.
The skipper indicated that the SCG track looks to be a good one for batting. “See, as per history of Sydney, it is a very good wicket, so you just have to play some good cricket,” asserted Rahane.
The SCG wicket aids spinners and that’s why Rahane doesn’t want his team to take chances while facing Nathan Lyon. “Yes, we have good spinners but Nathan Lyon is their quality spinner. He has done well here, so we don’t want to take anybody lightly,” he said.
