Playing spin bowling is an art that requires exceptional technique, patience and the ability to read a bowler’s intentions. While several modern-day batters possess these qualities, mastering quality spin has become increasingly difficult in contemporary cricket. Legendary players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara were renowned for their ability to tackle spinners across different conditions. However, the next generation has not always demonstrated the same level of dominance against spin.
Despite this, a few contemporary batting icons have established themselves as particularly effective players against quality spin attacks. Picking the best among them remains a matter of considerable debate. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his thoughts on the subject and named his choice, overlooking several celebrated names in the process.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks England legend as the best player of spin bowling
Ashwin, who established himself as one of the finest spinners in international cricket, has faced some of the world’s leading batters throughout his career. His experience of bowling against different batting styles makes his assessment particularly interesting.
Speaking during a podcast with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, the veteran off-spinner identified England’s Joe Root as the finest player of spin bowling. Ashwin was particularly impressed by the English batter’s ability to position himself effectively against spinners and handle their variations.
The former India international also recalled how Root managed to tackle his bowling, suggesting that the England star was among the batters who understood his game particularly well.
“Joe Root. He gets into good positions and probably played me the best. Forget subcontinent batters. I think he is the best player of spin by a country mile,” Ashwin said.
Root’s ability to adjust his footwork, find scoring opportunities and remain composed against different types of spin makes him a difficult batter to contain. Ashwin’s assessment highlights the respect the England batter commands among bowlers who have experienced his batting firsthand.
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No Virat Kohli in Ashwin’s choice
Interestingly, Ashwin did not include Virat Kohli in his selection, despite the former India captain’s reputation as an accomplished player of spin bowling. Kohli has produced several impressive performances against world-class spin attacks during his international career. His ability to use his feet, rotate the strike and find boundaries has made him a formidable opponent for spinners in different conditions.
However, the Indian batting great has also encountered difficulties against spin in recent times. That does not take away from his achievements or his overall ability to handle quality slow bowling, but Ashwin clearly believes Root operates at another level in this particular department.
Notably, Root is not the only member of the celebrated Fab Four group known for his proficiency against spin. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Australia’s Steve Smith have also demonstrated excellent techniques and temperament against quality spin attacks.
Nevertheless, Ashwin’s preference for Root stands out, especially considering his extensive experience of bowling against some of the finest batters in international cricket.
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