'They are a difficult duo' - Matthew Wade feels it's pretty tough to tackle Ashwin and Jadeja

India had shown terrific discipline and character at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after a disastrous outing in the Adelaide Test to level the ongoing four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by 1-1. While Ajinkya Rahane was the wrecker-in-chief for India’s stunning victory at MCG, one cannot forget India’s formidable bowling attack which has been consistent throughout in the two matches thus far.

The visiting nation was without the services of their two finest bowlers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami at MCG but India didn’t feel their absence owing to the brilliant display by Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Mohammed Siraj. The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were also at their fluent best as they gave the hosts a run for their money.

Australia’s swashbuckling batsman Matthew Wade was all praises for the spinners Jadeja and Ashwin as he believes that they bowled well in Melbourne. Also, a lot of questions were raised on Smith after Ashwin managed to scalp his wicket twice in the series. Speaking about the same, Wade opined that Smith will be fine and will bounce back stronger.

“I think they have bowled terrifically well, especially in Melbourne there was more spin and bounce, we did not expect it to come into play as it did, we did not adapt quick enough to that wicket.

“Steve has played against Ashwin plenty of times before this, Smith has been successful over here and I am sure he will be fine, no problems at all. Ashwin and Jadeja are a difficult spin duo, they are very consistent and we need to find a way, that’s the nature of the beast,” Matthew Wade said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

I have really enjoyed batting as an opener: Matthew Wade

Recently, Australia had updated their squad for the Test series, adding David Warner and Will Pucovski to the team and dropping Joe Burns. The addition of Will means that Wade, who is currently opening the batting for Australia, can go back to middle-order or can be dropped. When asked about the same, Wade reckoned that he isn’t insecure about his position in the team and is happy to bat wherever the team wants him to.

“I have really enjoyed batting as an opener, I did not know what to expect going into the pink-ball Test, it’s not that different, you have to be cautious early, moving forward if the selectors want me to do this role, then I am comfortable doing it now,” he said.

“Will Pucovski has come back to the squad, I don’t know right now where I will bat, whether I play or not, who knows. I will prepare for where I have been batting, if I slide down the order, then also I am comfortable.

“Justin (Langer) spoke to me, asking me if I was comfortable in opening the batting, I thought it as an opportunity to be a versatile player and bat anywhere ranging from the number one spot to number seven, I saw it as a positive opportunity. My spot has been speculated for ten years now, and I am used to it now,” Wade concluded.