AUS vs IND 2024-25: R Ashwin likely to play as lone spinner in Perth Test

Ravichandran Ashwin is in line to play the first Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. According to a report in The Indian Express, the legendary off-spinner will operate as the lone spinner in India's playing XI in the first Test, which gets underway on Friday, November 22.

The report further states that Ashwin is being considered as the frontrunner to start in the series because of the presence of some impactful left-handed batters in the Australian side. Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey are the three southpaws who are expected to play key roles in the high-voltage five-match Test series.

However, it is going to be interesting to see how many overs Ashwin gets as the Optus Stadium is set to be helpful for the pacers. Apart from Ashwin, India have also taken Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in the 18-member squad.

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Meanwhile, the Indian team management is pondering the possibility of handing a Test debut to seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the first Test. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder recently made his debut for India in the T20I format against Bangladesh last month. India is planning to go oin with three pacers, one seam-bowling all-rounder, and a lone spinner.

Ashwin's record in Australia

Australia is not an easy place for spinners to excel and Ashwin has had his fair share of struggles in the country. In 10 Tests, the Tamil Nadu spinner has picked up 39 wickets at an average of 42.15, his second-lowest in a particular country.

The 38-year-old will have to play a key role as India look to keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in their possession. However, Pat Cummins-led Australia would be eager to take back the coveted prize for the first time since they dropped it to India in 2017.