Alongside the embroiling debate of the best batsman in the game, there is another intense discussion going on for the best spinner in the world. According to Shane Warne, the mantle belongs to Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah.
While Ravichandran Ashwin may be the number one ranked bowler in Tests, the legendary leg-spinner believes that Shah’s ability to adapt to different conditions makes him an even better exponent than the Indian off-spinner.
Warne, who is part of the commentary panel for the ongoing Australia-Pakistan series, elaborated on the Pakistani spinner’s strengths and weaknesses on Channel Nine. Armed with Windows 10 Analyzer as well as his former skipper Mark Taylor, the 47-year old expressed his thoughts.
He said, “I am very excited to see Yasir Shah out here. He is the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, in my opinion. He can bowl in all conditions (and) he is a bundle of energy. I am just looking forward to him. No matter what the situation is he wants the ball in his hand. He is not a huge turner of the ball, he does a lot of fast, straighter deliveries (that skid of the surface).”
“There are also the change-ups where he tries to beat the batsman through the air. He’s very, very accurate and doesn’t bowl much rubbish. That’s what I like about him. When conditions suit, he can rag it big like anyone,” said the former Australian leg spinner
From 20 Tests (not including the first Test in Brisbane), Yasir has picked up 116 wickets at an average of 27.89 and strike-rate of 54.7 with 8 five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, Ashwin has played 43 Tests (not including the fifth Test in Chennai) and picked up 247 wickets at an average of 24.22. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner’s strikes once every 49.8 balls with 24 five-wicket hauls to his name.
Also Read: Muttiah Muralitharan predicts both R Ashwin and Yasir Shah on current form to beat his record
However, a closer look at their statistics complicates the competition further. Yasir has 55 scalps from 11 away matches at an average of 32.14 with a ten wicket-haul at Lord’s. Meanwhile, Ashwin has picked up 67 wickets from 17 away games at an average of 33.23 with best innings figures of 7/83 in Antigua. Outside the subcontinent, both their records seem underwhelming with averages spiking up to 45.90 and 42.73 respectively.
While pointing out to Shah’s dismissal of Gary Ballance in the second innings of the Lord’s Test earlier this year, Warne felt, “He drifts the ball because of how much spin he imparts on the ball. He’s always at the batsman, has a lot of energy and has a bit of Aussie mongrel about him.”
Not surprisingly, the Pakistani spinner considers Warne as his inspiration. He has worked briefly with the Australian icon (a couple of sessions by his own admission) and managed to tap into what should be a reservoir of knowledge on the art of leg-spin.
Both Yasir and Ashwin are in action simultaneously in different parts of the world which should add to the drama.
Watch: Shane Warne analyses Yasir Shah’s bowling (Video Courtesy – Cricket Australia’s Twitter Handle)
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