Home and away runs by batsmen in the last 10 years

[sensible-indian-fan]

Well argued. But I don't think Bilal cares for a good argument that favours Virat and Ash in any way.

Also, should we be playing Ash in SA or Jaddu? Jaddu has more runs in first-class cricket in the last year (and by some distance too), and a better bowling average. Also is a more accomplished fielder, and SA's best batsmen (except Elgar - RHB - Amla, Faf, AB) are right-handed. I think if we go with Ash as one spinner (though we might go with 2 spinners in Cape town), it would purely be an emotional call.

1. Jaddu knows how to get those extra runs once he is set more than Ash. But in SA, he won't get spinners to bash. Instead he will get 3-4 high quality pacers at his throat all the time which would make his batting total fluke. This doesn't mean Ashwin won't face issues in SA but just that on paper, he is more likely to score runs. Issue is, he is out of form.

2. As for spinner selection, I would go for horses for courses. If pitch aids seam bowling and won't flatten out, then we should go with a lone spinner where Jaddu like economical bowler is the better option. I am not saying it will be a successful move but probability would suggest that Jaddu is the better option in such a case, so that would be my choice.

3. In outside Asia, finger spinners need to use flight, accuracy and overspin to get wickets. Ashwin fits that bill but issue is that he is inconsistent. His bowling in 1st and 2nd innings of the last test vs SL perfectly illustrates it. First innings, he increased his speed for flatter deliveries, flighted well, used lots of overspin, accurate bowling and got results. Second innings, speed was down (good length deliveries were defended off backfoot with ease), more use of sidespin, accuracy was down and went for runs.

4. That's why Jaddu is more of a safer option on a 1 spinner only pitch. Score the runs, get pacers to take wickets, let Jaddu take the odd wicket or two while keeping it tight and hope for a win. However for a team like India, having 2 spinners in the XI would be more comforting than 1 spinner. But we can't apply that in every case.