"I Would Play...": Ex-India Bowling Coach Bharat Arun Has His Say On Spin Bowler Dilemma

Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun said that Team India should utilise veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin as their first-choice spinner during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy first Test against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium. Arun was speaking to Revsportz and said that the veteran is a "hugely thinking" player and his impact during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took 12 wickets in three matches and played a match-drawing block-a-thon with Hanuma Vihari at Sydney, is not given due recognition.

"If you ask me, I would play Ashwin as India's first-choice spinner. He has the experience of playing in Australia and is a hugely thinking cricketer. His impact in the last series is not always given due recognition. The way he bowled against Steve Smith, his record against Usman Khwaja, the presence of left-handers in the lineup - you have to say it should be Ashwin. Also, he is a very handy batter. Think of his Sydney effort and you will know what I am speaking about," said Arun to Revsportz.

In 10 Tests in Australia, Ashwin has taken 39 wickets at a rather disappointing average of 42.15, with best figures of 4/55. He has also scored 384 runs in 19 innings, averaging 24.00, with two fifties to his name.

Stacked up with his partner-in-spin Jadeja, Ashwin has more experience but Jadeja has finer stats. In four Tests, Jadeja has taken 14 wickets, averaging around 21 with best figures of 4/62. He has also scored 175 runs in five innings, averaging 43.75 and scoring two fifties.

Also, Washington, who scored a half-century and smashed 84 runs in total, took a total of four wickets in his solitary Test appearance at Australia, is also in contention to play following an impressive home series outing