Ravi Ashwin 'the Bradman of bowling' says former Australia captain Steve Waugh
Tuesday 14 February 2017 13:40, UK
India spinner Ravi Ashwin is "the Bradman of bowling", according to former Australia captain Steve Waugh.
India face Australia in four Tests - all live on Sky Sports - with Ashwin, who has taken 254 wickets in just 45 matches - the main threat to the touring batsmen.
No bowler took more than Ashwin's 72 Test wickets in 2016, and Waugh says he is now so dominant he can be compared to Australian legend Sir Don Bradman, generally acknowledged to be the greatest batsman in cricket history.
"Ashwin is basically the Bradman of bowling," Waugh, speaking to Indian media ahead of the Laureus Awards, said. "What he is doing is quite incredible. I think he is the player we have to overcome.
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"The Australians would have to look at ways to overcome Ashwin's bowling. If the Aussies can do that then we will have a chance. The guys need to stay calm under pressure.
"The way he is playing at the moment, he is going to break a number of records. Ashwin's statistics are just mind-boggling."
Waugh believes Australia's aggressive opener David Warner will be the key man for the tourists in combating Ashwin.
"David Warner is an amazing player - he is someone who has redefined the role of opening batting," he said. "He will be facing Ashwin and that will test him. It will be interesting to watch.
"He doesn't care about reputation, always backs himself and doesn't get nervous. It will be a really good series. Whether Australia win or compete, Warner is going to score a lot of runs."
