Was a bit rusty in the first innings, admits Ravichandran Ashwin

Ace Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has got into his groove in the second innings of the ongoing Test against Bangladesh at Hyderabad. The offie has already bagged two wickets in the 16 overs that he bowled with the new ball in the second innings. However, all has not been well for him in the Test so far. Earlier in the first innings, he had to toil hard for the two wickets that he eventually scalped.

Considering the batsmen that he got out then, the effort has to be lauded. He dismissed the top two scorers of the Bangladeshi first innings that wrapped up at 388. He got rid of Shakib Al Hasan earlier on late day 3 and then capped off the the Bangladesh innings with the wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim (127). The fact that he got only two wickets surprised quite a few.

He was expected to steamroll the opposition coming into the game. Ravichandran Ashwin, as per the quotes in India Today, has himself admitted that he was a bit rusty in the first innings. He cited that now he is bowling well in the second innings. Hence the subtle hint was clear that the visitors will have a tough time on the final day of the match.

“It was a delight to bowl in the second innings. I was a little rusty in the first innings, got into a better rhythm in the second innings straightaway, bowling with the new ball,” Ashwin quoted.

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Also, during the day 4 play, Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 250 scalps in Test cricket. He achieved the distinction in his 45th Test. The previous best was by Australian legendary pacer Dennis Lillee (48 Tests). Ashwin was delighted at the record achieved. He predicted that the final day of the match will be an interesting one as he is feeling in the right groove to get in the game.

“Good to have the (250 wickets) record out of the way. Today was one of those days when I started enjoying my spell right from the start. It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow. The wicket is not giving too much help for the spinners, we have to be very very patient in the morning session,” Ashwin conceded.