Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has pinpointed the crucial role of India’s spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, in shaping the outcome of the upcoming 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As the five-match Test series begins on November 22, this will be the first time since 1991-92 that India and Australia face off in a series of this length.
Maxwell acknowledged the significant threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja, stating that their performances will dictate the series’ result. He noted that over the years, the pair’s ability to both bowl and contribute with the bat has been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket.
Glenn Maxwell on Ashwin and Jadeja
Maxwell said, “I think that over a long period of time, having played against guys like Ashwin and Jadeja, those two seem to have always been the ones we’ve faced consistently, and the battles we’ve had with them have often dictated the outcome of the game.”
Both spinners have been in exceptional form, playing pivotal roles in India’s recent victories. In the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin’s all-round contribution of 113 runs and a five-wicket haul, coupled with Jadeja’s 86 runs and five wickets across both innings, proved decisive. Maxwell emphasized that Australia must counter Ashwin and Jadeja effectively if they hope to gain the upper hand in the series.
He added, “If we play well against those two (Ashwin, Jadeja), we’ll generally find ourselves in a better position compared to when they’ve had a field day and run through us.”
Maxwell also praised Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, reflecting on his development from a raw talent in 2013 to becoming one of the best bowlers across all formats. After returning from injury, Bumrah has continued to impress and is expected to play a vital role for India during the Australian tour.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a gripping contest, with both Ashwin and Jadeja likely to be pivotal in determining the series’ outcome.
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