Former England spinner Monty Panesar has sparked controversy by suggesting that legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would have been forced to retire if he were an England player. Panesar’s comments come amidst a debate over the treatment of veteran players by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, believes that Ashwin, 38, would not have been overlooked in favor of younger players if he were English. He pointed to the recent retirement of James Anderson, who called it quits at the age of 41. Many experts believe that Anderson was forced to retire due to his age.
“They experiment more. If Ashwin was English right now, then they would have told him to retire because they want to bring youngsters who have the potential to play. But I think England experiments more, and they like to experiment,” Panesar told ANI.
Panesar’s comments echo those of former England coach David Lloyd, who blasted the ECB for “forcing out” Anderson. Lloyd wrote in his column that Anderson was “forced out because of his age.”
Panesar also expressed his belief that Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon is a better bowler than Ashwin. “I think I see Nathan Lyon in my opinion. Yes, he is a better bowler. But I think Ashwin is a better bowler in India. I think he thinks like a batter when he bowls,” Panesar said.
Panesar’s comments have sparked a debate about the treatment of veteran players in cricket. Some believe that teams should be more willing to retain experienced players, while others argue that it is important to give younger players a chance to develop.
