Ashwin: ‘Silly’ to try and replicate Lyon in Australia

India spinner Ravi Ashwin says he would be “silly” to try and copy the bowling style of Australia’s Nathan Lyon in the upcoming Test series between the two teams.

Ashwin’s Test record, in terms of stats, is better than Lyon with the India tweaker having taken 336 wickets at an average of 25.44 while Australia’s off-spinner has 318 Test wickets at an average of 32.21.

However, Ashwin has come in for criticism as he does not have such a good record outside of Asia, having been out-bowled by Moeen Ali in the Test series in England earlier this year.

However, Ashwin stated that gaining success overseas is not as simple as just doing what the other slow-bowlers are doing, saying that people will not ask India fast bowler Ishant Sharma to bowl like South Africa seamer Vernon Philander.

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Ashwin said of his comparison with Lyon: “We both started our Test careers at the same time so obviously mutual admiration is there.

“I think he’s done really well over the last couple of years and he’s bowling really well, the ball’s coming out really well.

“What can I learn [from Lyon]? Probably just drop the ball in the right spots and probably as the series goes on look forward to a good competition.

“It’s going to be very hard to replicate one’s action. We are talking about actions and biomechanics here, and it’s quite silly when people say, oh, it’s overspin and sidespin and stuff like that.

“You’ve got to still stick to your strengths. You’re not going to ask Ishant Sharma to bowl like Philander, can you? It’s not going to happen.

“You’ve got to believe in your strengths. Something’s got me 350-odd wickets in my Test career, something’s got him 300-odd wickets in his career. It’s important to keep going the same way and learn a few things on the way.”

The first of four Tests between Australia and India starts in Adelaide on Thursday.

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