'Nathan Lyon Is Not R Ashwin': Former Australian Legend Comes Up With A Huge Remark

Australian spinners should not try to copy the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, according to former Australia captain Ian Chappell.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

In a dramatic turn of events, India defeated Australia by 6 wickets in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi to go 2-0 up in the four-match Test series. When Australia ended Day 2, the scoreboard read 61/1 with the visitors leading by 62 runs and while there was a remote possibility that the match would day on the third itself, most didn't expect what did unfold at the cricket pitch on Sunday.

Australian spinners should not try to copy the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, according to former Australia captain Ian Chappell.

“Too often they (opposition spinners) do try and replicate the skillset (of Ashwin and Jadeja). Talking about Ashwin and Jadeja… They know exactly what to do in India. Ashwin is a damn fine bowler, doesn’t matter where he bowls. I’ve seen him bowl in Australia, he bowled extremely well. He is also very smart. He works out exactly what he’s gotta do. Jadeja doesn’t vary too much although he has learned a few things and has improved his bowling but he’s got the skillset that is perfect for India and the two of them work together,” Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.

Chappell further added, “In this game, I thought Ashwin bowled bloody well but Jadeja got the seven wickets but that’s the way it happens some days. I don’t think you can come and replicate what they do. Nathan Lyon is not R Ashwin, he’s got to bowl like Nathan Lyon and he has tried to do that.”

Ashwin and Jadeja have scalped a total of 31 wickets between them in the first two Tests. On the other hand, Todd Murphy leads the chart with 10 scalps in the two matches. Nathan Lyon is next in the line with eight wickets.

The two teams will play against reach other in the third Test at Holkar Stadium in Indore, starting March 1.