Well, you are accusing me of being biased towards Ashwin when I am not. That Sydney pitch had nothing in it for the bowlers after that first day. Even that first day towards the end, only the new ball had some impact and after it passed off, Australia started scoring from Day 1 itself. We saw how India notched up 400 runs in the 2nd innings and how the Aussie bowlers found it tough in the 2nd innings (their huge lead gave them the cushion to beat India comfortably by an innings). Ashwin has not bowled greatly, but he has not bowled badly too. Its just that he has not found proper support from the other end and probably his captain is not giving him the proper fields. But still, Ashwin has bowled good containing spells. And he is learning and this is his first tour overseas with the test team (and his second test series after a brilliant start against WI). And considering that he is the 2nd highest scorer for India after Sachin, that should keep him in the team. Yes his batting is a bonus only, but in this tour that bonus is consistently coming in good chunks and is good for the team.
Kumble had poor records overseas at the start of his career. It was in 2002-03 period that Kumble started reversing his overseas record. Till then, he was primarily a home bully who would pick buckets of wickets at home but overseas he was below par. For Ashwin, this is just his second series and he hasn't been bad enough for a drop in place from the team.
Kumble had poor records overseas at the start of his career. It was in 2002-03 period that Kumble started reversing his overseas record. Till then, he was primarily a home bully who would pick buckets of wickets at home but overseas he was below par. For Ashwin, this is just his second series and he hasn't been bad enough for a drop in place from the team.