With less than 48 hours to go for the start of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Aussies may face another daunting task as Ravichandran Ashwin returns to his happy ground. India, currently leading the four-match Test series 2-0, will look to screen the Aussies with a draw and secure another series win. On the horizon, the depleted visitors will be looking to make a comeback to make it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).
Ashwin’s impressive figures at Holkar Stadium
No other bowler comes close to Ashwin’s impressive numbers at the Holkar Stadium as his impressive numbers speak for themselves. In two Tests at the stadium, Ashwin has taken 18 wickets, 11 more than second Mohammed Shami, The right-handed Tamil Nadu star scalped 13 wickets in his first appearance at the venue in October 2016 against New Zealand. He ended with figures of 81/6 and 59/7 in the first and second innings respectively.
In his second appearance at the venue in November 2019, Ashwin scalped two and three wickets in the first and second innings respectively to take his tally to 18 wickets. Interestingly, India have won both their Test matches at the Holkar Stadium in which Ashwin has played and will win the third match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.
Ashwin’s stats at Holkar Stadium
81/6 v New Zealand (1st innings), October 2016
59/7 v New Zealand (2nd innings), October 2016
43/2 v Bangladesh (1st innings), November 2019
42/3 v Bangladesh (2nd innings), November 2019
Australia hunts for WTC final spot
Despite being 2–0 down in the series, a draw would be enough for the Australian team to make it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). As things stand, a draw for them would see them lose the series but guarantee a spot in the final which kickstarts on June 7 at The Oval. Will see the absence of captain Cummins steve smith Lead the side as the ex is back home with family issues.