Published: Apr 03, 2014, 03:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 03, 2014, 03:29 PM (IST)
Mirpur: Apr 3, 2014
Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner has said that while India may only hold the edge over South Africa as far as knowledge of the conditions is concerned ahead of the ICC World T20 2014 semi-final at Mirpur. India played all their Super-10s matches at the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium, whereas South Africa are arriving from Chittagong for the contest.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the crucial clash, Ashwin said, “We know what to expect from the ground; the pitch and all. But, when it comes down to the semi-finals, I think it is anybody’s game. We can’t really say we hold an edge or anything.”
On Wednesday, when South Africa trained at the adjoining Dhaka Academy, Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner was seen in their camp and also had a few words with Imran Tahir, the Proteas leg-spinner. When asked about Warne’s presence, Ashwin said that one can only comment from a distance and not know the real reason.
“I don’t what the South African management called him [Warne] for. Probably he could add value in terms of what he can do to spinners. Probably Tahir could have learnt something from him. We are just guessing from a far distance, so we can’t really say how much of a difference it will create,” Ashwin said.
When asked about team composition, Ashwin said that he doesn’t expect changes in the Indian team but does feel that South Africa may play two spinners and bring in Aaron Phangiso, the left-arm spinner.
“In terms of team composition, it is pretty much up to the captain and the selection committee. We have done well in terms of our spinners and I think we will do that. Apart from that, I don’t know what significant changes we can make. They also may play two spinners. Phangiso might come,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin also said that although there are other spinners in the team, he focuses on getting better himself. India face South Africa in the second ICC World T20 2014 semi-final at Mirpur on Friday.
ICC World T20 2014 schedule: Match time table with venue details
