NEW DELHI: Former England captain Alastair Cook has commended India's bold decision to exclude veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from their playing XI for the opening Test in Perth.
Cook described the move as 'brave' given Ashwin's stature as one of the world's premier spinners and his ability to make an impact in any conditions. Cook also lauded India's decision to bat first on the bouncy Perth wicket.
While some criticised the exclusion of Ashwin, Cook praised India for showing clarity in their tactics, emphasising that such calls reflect the evolving dynamism of modern cricket.
Cook, the first England batter to surpass 10,000 Test runs, hailed India for their remarkable comeback after being dismissed for just 150 in the first Test.
"I thought India was so brave. I thought that first, you know, they win the toss and bat on that wicket, you look there, even though there's only 150 they got, the thought process to say, 'we're going to take Australia on there. We know it's going to be hard, but we think it's going to be hard for both sides only, and then it'll be a one-innings game'," Cook said on TNT Sports.
"I think most captains would have bowled first, certainly would have done and probably got the end of a bad result, like normally in Australia. But India took it on brilliantly. It was just an all-round fantastic performance.
"You think... bowled out for 150, you think we're struggling here, but to bounce back when you've got Boomer (Jasprit Bumrah) up with the new ball on those kinds of wickets, he's always going to be outstanding and backed up by the team," Cook added.
Leading the side in Rohit Sharma's absence, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance, claiming eight wickets, including a first-innings five-for, to guide India to a memorable victory.
Commenting on India's decision to exclude senior off-spinner Ashwin from the playing XI, Cook said, "... Just think of how brave they were? They didn't bother playing Ashwin who has got 500 Test wickets. They've kind of played a couple of like, not makes you spinners, but you know, I thought Ashwin would have been outstanding, but you know, great thinking by them.
"And isn't it nice to see Australia get thrashed?"
