ICC Champions Trophy: 5 reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin should play against South Africa

Modified Jun 10, 2017 17:41 IST

DHAKA, BANGLADESH - APRIL 04: Hashim Amla of South Africa is out bowled as MS Dhoni congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin of India during the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 2nd Semi-Final match between India and South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla Mirpur Stadium on April 4, 2014 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) — Ravi Ashwin can be the deciding factor in India’s clash against South Africa on Sunday

#4 Impressive numbers racked up in England

DELHI, INDIA - OCTOBER 17: Ravichandran Ashwin of India celebrates dismissing Ravi Bopara of England during the 2nd One Day International between India and England at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on October 17, 2011 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — Ashwin has an average of 24.09 in ODI cricket played in England

The cricketers who perform in testing, foreign conditions are always considered to be on the highest pedestal of the sport. Ashwin, whose career bowling average in One Day Internationals is 32.37, has some really solid numbers in England to back his potential selection in the next same.

His average is as good as 24.09 in English conditions, while managing to scalp 21 wickets in the 14 matches that he has played there. It gets even better. The last time Ashwin bowled in ODI cricket in England in 2015, he picked up 9 wickets in the 5-match series. Oh and also, he also managed to hold on to 5 catches in those 5 games.

He has 4 wickets in two matches at the Oval, where the India-South Africa game is scheduled to be played.