Ravi Ashwin can walk into the team if available, says Tamil Nadu Chief Selector
Ashwin might make a Ranji Trophy appearance for his stateside Tamil Nadu next month.
Ravi Ashwin is enjoying his time in the County Championship in England. The 31-year old has so far played in 4 first-class games for Worcestershire and has accounted for 15 scalps which include a five-wicket haul. The all-rounder has also contributed with the bat, scoring 214 runs at an average of 42.8 with 82 as his highest score.
With the English season drawing to a close, Ashwin might be seen turning up for his stateside Tamil Nadu in their opening game of the Ranji Trophy. Ashwin is currently not playing in the ongoing ODI series for India and in all probability, will not be selected for the T20 series that follows next week. This opens up the prospect of the all-rounder appearing for Tamil Nadu.
Sharath praises Ashwin
The Chief Selector of the state, S. Sharath has given him a green flag saying that the off-spinner will be an automatic choice if he is available to play. Tamil Nadu faces Andhra Pradesh in their season opener on October 6.
“Picking Ashwin is not a tough call at all. He can just walk into the team if he is not on national duty. He adds immense value to our side, and combined with his outstanding and unparalleled dedication to the game, Ashwin is an automatic choice in selection,” Sharath said.
Sharath, however, remarked that Ashwin hasn’t communicated about his availability yet because he is busy playing his final game for Worcestershire which ends on Thursday. “He hasn’t spoken to me or my team. He is busy with his county engagements. Knowing him, I am sure he will get in touch with us as soon as he is available for selection,” he noted.
After the conclusion of Worcestershire’s final game against Durham later today, Ashwin will shortly arrive in Tamil Nadu. The squad for the T20 series will be announced soon for the Australia series, which will give more clarity on Ashwin’s participation in the game against Andhra Pradesh. The Chennai-born cricketer has had a stellar run in the longer version of the game and will be a huge boost for Tamil Nadu ahead of their season opener.
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