Ashwin's stats in Australia is often brought up to highlight his inadequacies. Granted, he didn't set the stage alight in Australia. He has been ordinary there. But so has each and everyone who has toured Aus in the recent period.
If you look at the records for spin bowlers in Aus in the last 5 years, they paint a sorry picture. Australia is literally the graveyard for spinners. Either that is due to the lack of quality spinners or the nature of the drop in pitches is debatable.
Ashwin is the leading wicket taker for the last 5 years in Aus (excluding Aus). He has taken 21 wickets in the specified time period. But he averages around 50 from 6 matches.
Swann during the same period averages 64 from the same 6 matches but has taken just 13 wickets.
Dan Vettori averages 42 from the single match he played and took 2 wickets in that match.
Mark Craig averages 64 from 3 matches.
Herath is the only one who has a decent record, averaging 34 from 3 matches.
So Ashwin hasn't been alone in having ordinary stats in Aus. The likes of Swann have got demolished in Aus.
Also, Ashwin has transformed into a totally different bowler since his last tour from Aus. Previously he was trying too much variations like t20 cricket and it didn't end up well for him. He has since then learnt to bowl slow and stick to his stock delivery and concentrates more on flight and drift while using his variations like the carrom ball sparingly. And the change was evident in the world cup in Aus.
He averaged 21 from 6 matches at an economy of 3.80 per over. Obviously these are different formats, but still that is a very good performance on the Australian tracks.
And in tests, he has phenomenal stats since the WC. He had an excellent tour in SL and Bangladesh.
I won't be surprised if he improves greatly his performances when he tours overseas next time.
