Chennai, Jan 18:
One of cricket’s most renowned coaches, Dav Whatmore today reckoned Australia will have their task cut out in the upcoming tour of India and called off-spinning all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin an asset.
The 62-year-old Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to their only World Cup triumph in 1996, has been appointed director of ‘International Cricket Academy of Excellence’ set up by Sriramachandra Arthrpscopy and Sports Sciences, Chennai.
“For a start Australia have their best T20 team. Certainly it’s a huge test coming to India, particularly in the recent times when you got incredible levels of skill and self belief.
“You got a wonderful Test match team. A new captain as well and everybody is supporting each other. Australia have their work cut out,” Whatmore told reporters here.
About Ashwin, he said, “he is one of the most valuable players in the world. Not just with the ball but he can make a 100 at no. 6. He is a very smart boy. Comes from Tamil Nadu and is an engineer. What an asset to have. Virat Kohli must be really happy to have him. (Muttiah) Muralitharan was absolutely world class (but) he didn’t bat as well as Ashwin could do.” (PTI)
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