‘Sirf India ko hi Ashwin ki kadar nhi hai’ – Fans react as Ben Stokes uses Ravi Ashwin’s example to justify Stuart Broad’s selection for first Test against Australia

Ahead of the first Test against Australia at Edgbaston on June 16, England announced their playing XI on June 14. In a shocking selection, England skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum chose veteran pacer Stuart Broad over young sensation Mark Wood. The selection drew some reactions from former players and fans as they were expecting Wood to accompany James Anderson in the game.

However, Stokes now justified his decision and compared it with his records against ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Notably, Broad has a great record against Australia opener David Warner. Warner, who is struggling with poor form in the longest format of the game, has struggled a lot against Broad. Broad has dismissed him 14 times in his Test career out of which seven came during Australia’s last tour.

Speaking about the same Stokes said, “It’s just one of those things – like Ashwin against me. ‘Broady’ has been an unbelievable performer over many years. What the Ashes brings, it’s so hard to look past someone like that. It’s so hard to look past Jimmy and ‘Robbo’ as well, he’s been incredible over the last year in all conditions. I’m very happy with the team we’ve ended up picking.”

“Will see more aggressive Warner”, says Australia skipper Pat Cummins

Speaking about David Warner’s records in England and his performance against Stuart Broad and James Anderson, Australia skipper Pat Cummins backed David Warner. Cummins believes that Warner will come with a more aggressive approach and will overcome the English line-up. He said, “I’m sure he’s thought about it a lot over the last couple of years hoping to get another crack at it. Davey will have all his plans in place. I’m sure you’ll see a bit more of an aggressive Davey than what you saw in 2019 and he’s itching to get out there and have another chance at it.”

The English team has deliberately selected three of their most skilled seamers for the game at Edgbaston, where Nathan Lyon’s bowling is expected to shine. England was kicking themselves for leaving out Broad and Anderson during the previous Ashes series at the Gabba, where they faced a green seamer. However, the squad has placed their trust in the seasoned pair this time. The Ashes begin on June 16 at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Here is how fans react to Ben Stokes’ Comments:

Slipper shot to Rohit and Dravid for their WTC playing XI selection..

— Jai (@jaisocool) June 16, 2023

There were question marks over Ashwin’s selection in the playing XI last WTC final bcoz of overcast conditions.
Yet proving everyone wrong Ashwin was our highest wicket taker in that match.
Can’t believe he wasn’t picked up this time despite conditions being so favourable for him

— Saket (@SaketSu76126269) June 16, 2023

Greatest bowler to bowl against left handers @ashwinravi99

— Saket (@runsandrunss) June 16, 2023

https://twitter.com/SasidaranSri/status/1669591069926002690?s=20

Stokes should not take it personal. Ashwin, in general, has been a nightmare to left-handed batters.

— Gollgappaaa (@gollgappaaa) June 16, 2023

Ashes has always been mind games before the start

Aggressive press statements before the ashes always adds upto the games

— Tahir (@15___blade) June 16, 2023

Aussies will thrash England 3-2

— Hitman zindabad (@KrrishK43904676) June 16, 2023

Stuart Broad is Undisputed Beast with dukes ball

— Parminder Pal Singh (@Parmind07575022) June 16, 2023

https://twitter.com/Sukumaraa_Kurup/status/1669571840497582083?s=20

Bodied himself 😭

— Harshil Bhardwaj (@HarshilB5) June 16, 2023