A player of Indian origin who formerly represented England in international cricket, Monty Panesar has now taken a controversial stance by declaring that just like all players have got an’ homme’ retirement age in cricket, If Ravichandran Ashwin, the great Indian spinner, played for England, he would have been compelled to retire a long time ago. It is noticeable that Panesar took a pot-shot at the ECB and English cricket management when he maintained that age — particularly when it comes to Ashwin at 38 — would not have prevented the authorities from selecting a player with such experience in a younger player’s stead. Most recently, James Anderson bade farewell to international cricket at the age of 41 where it was viewed by most that he was retired in a manner that was entertained against his will.
Ashwin was successful with the bat scoring 113 runs against Bangladesh, then took six wickets to help win the first Test for India.
“They try new things more. For instance, if Ashwin was to be an English speaking person right now, then they would already have told him to retire because he is old and they want to introduce new players with the ability to play. But I think England experiments more, and they are fond of experiments,” Panesar told ANI.
Former England head coach David Lloyd has also publicly chastised the management of England cricket for what he perceived as the “pushing out” of paceman James Anderson. Gus Atkinson, a younger player who is seen as the future of the team, was already being touted as an option before the veteran bowler retired with 704 Test match wickets.
“He could not play on out of consecutive age because he crossed the needs bracket age. very contrary in this day and age where all these virtues are encouraged to the highest degree, is the stopping of someone for such a banal reason. Sister, trust me, I know that position. Inclusivity my ass,” Lloyd had previously stated in his article.
Similarly, Monty Panesar threw another contentious suggestion as he claims that Nathan Lyon is a more skilful bowler than Ashwin, the latter being the Indian spin wizard.
“I am sorry I am able to comprehend Nathan Lyon, yes he is a superior bowler but I think Ashwin is better off in India as a bowler. I believe he approaches bowling the same way a batter would,” said Panesar.
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