India taking the right turns ahead of the World Cup
It was a matter of time before India tried out three specialist spinners in this series and the dry Ranchi track provided that opportunity on Sunday. R Ashwin, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja had shared 30 overs between them in the second ODI in Ahmedabad but Jadeja is an all-rounder. By giving Patel, Ashwin and Karn Sharma their full quota in the fifth ODI, India might have reached some conclusions regarding what could be their best bet in the World Cup.
Patel was the most economical among the trio but what also needs to be considered is that spin was employed till the 49th over. On bouncy pitches in Australia, that is unlikely. Also, Sri Lanka are possibly the best players of spin after India. Australia and New Zealand may not be conducive for spin bowling, but given South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe are in India’s World Cup group, it could be a good option.
India’s spinners should also be credited for the way t hey t ried t o asser t t hemselves on Sri Lanka from the 13th over, when Patel took over from Stuart Binny. He was straightaway lifted over midwicket by Mahela Jayawardene for four and even conceded three sixes in his final over but in between Patel kept asking questions.
Striking a nice balance between giving the ball more air and bowling flat, he showed maturity beyond the few months of international experience he has. He exploited the turn on the wicket, deceiving Dinesh Chandimal.