Can’t replicate Lyon but up for a fight: Ashwin

SYDNEY: India off-spinner R Ashwin said it was not possible to bowl like Nathan Lyon to get purchase on Australian pitches but expects an interesting duel with him in the Test series beginning December 6. “We both started our Test careers at the same time so obviously mutual admiration is there,” Ashwin said of Lyon after the warmup match here on Friday.

“I think he’s done really well over the last couple of years and he’s bowling really well, the ball’s coming out really well. What can I learn [from Lyon]? Probably just drop the ball in the right spots and probably as the series goes on look forward to a good competition.

“It’s going to be very hard to replicate one’s action. We are talking about actions and biomechanics here, and it’s quite silly when people say, oh, it’s overspin and sidespin and stuff like that. You’ve got to still stick to your strengths. You’re not going to ask Ishant Sharma to bowl like Philander, can you? It’s not going to happen.

Ashwin believes partnerships will hold the key not just in batting but bowling as well as the hosts cannot really be blown away in a single burst. “You have to stitch together partnerships even when bowling and it’s very important to ascertain your role to get what you can out of the game,” Ashwin said.

“It’s very important to soak together good partnerships as a bowling group then try and knock them over. You won’t blow oppositions away, it might happen once in a while - but you have to get your noses ahead and keep it ahead,” he said.

Ashwin said he expects the wickets to be flat, which would require his teammates to play “smart cricket through the series.” Ashwin said bowling in partnerships will be of paramount importance especially since India will be missing a fifth bowler in injured Hardik Pandya.

Indian bowlers did well in England and South Africa but considering the nature of pitches, they maybe in for a long haul. Ashwin has his plans ready for the challenge. “As a spinner it’s important to stick it out there in the first innings, if I get some help in the second innings then try to pitch in. That’s similar to how I came here last time, I had a very good series and that was one of the turning points in my career,” he said.

“It’s more about getting your noses ahead in Australia. Every hour, the game can get away from you really fast in the field. We have some quality batsmen who can take the game away from them.”

You have to stitch together partnerships even when bowling and it’s very important to ascertain your role to get what you can out of the game. R ASHWIN, On how to bowl in Australia