Ravi Ashwin reveals key match-up in the India vs England semi-final

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has revealed an important tactical match-up between the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and English leg-spinner Adil Rashid as India locks horns with England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Ashwin reckoned that the battle between Suryakumar and Rashid could eventually reveal the winner of the crucial semi-final between two top-class sides.

“If we can chase 195 against the West Indies, we can do that against England as well. Their bowling is nothing special as such,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“We are playing in India, we are playing at the Wankhede, our favourite ground, so we have the edge. But having the edge does not mean that we will win. No excuse will work, your batting, bowling, and fielding have to be on point. It will not work if they say ‘if only we had done that’. We just need a little luck,” he added.

"Surya will be a very crucial point against this England bowling. Adil Rashid is bowling very slowly. You will have to sweep him and the batter who can do it is Surya. This is one match-up I am looking forward to," he said.

"If I were in Surya's shoes, I would not be worried at all. I am the captain of the team. There is nothing to be worried. It's okay that the form is a little bit here and there. I know in two-three games he has not scored but the best way to do it is to stay ahead of the game. He needs to think tactically. I am sure he would have done his homework. I think he should go with a blank and clear mind. I don't see concerns with his batting at all," he explained.

Notably, Rashid has been England’s top bowler in the showpiece event.  In seven matches, the leg-spinner has pocketed 11 wickets while conceding 209 runs from 26.4 overs at an economy rate of 7.83.

On the other hand, Suryakumar has been one of India’s key performers, racking up 231 runs in seven matches at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 135.88.

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