Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin practices special ball at nets ahead of 2nd Test

India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns for the second and final test match of the series at picturesque Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Both teams will be looking at achieving critical 60 points for the world test championship.

Ravichandran Ashwin tries carrom ball at nets

With Ishant Sharma out of the test match, India will be looking at Ravichandran Ashwin to provide much needed experience to Indian bowling lineup. He was seen as practicing carrom ball ahead of the final test match. He uses this delivery a lot in limited overs but restricted the use in red ball cricket of late. With not much help from the pitch for spinners, you shouldn’t be surprised if Ashwin decides to unleash one of these in actual play.

What is carrom ball?

Carrom ball is a type of variation developed by off-spinners in which they try to bowl a leg-spin with the use of fingers. They flick the ball between thumb and bent middle finger in order to impart leg-spin. They apply the grip on the ball with significant difference compared to an off-spin.

Expected changes on both sides
Ishant Sharma is ruled out of the match today due to ankle issue. Umesh Yadav is expected to replace him in the playing XI to accompany Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. There were a lot of talk about Ravindra Jadeja might come in place of Ravichandran Ashwin but later is expected to retain his place. Indian batsmen will be again under the scanner with a green Hagley Oval pitch.

Neil Wagner is expected to be back in the team after missing out in the first match. He will be critical to Kiwis’ chances with his important match-ups against top Indian batters. Hosts will be tempted to go with four men pace attack with Ajaz Patel sitting out.

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