Age is just a number, but the work you put in over the years takes its toll: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin shared some of his fond memories of playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai ahead of the first Test between India and Bangladesh.

The Tamil Nadu off-spinner has played four Test matches so far at his home ground and he recalled the epic India versus England clash after the Covid-19 break as he called the game against the English side special.

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"That game against England was special. It was the first time the crowd was back, and the reception I received was beyond my expectations. To have the match turn out the way it did for me was truly special. Chennai has always been a significant ground for me, filled with incredible memories, both old and new," Ashwin told the official broadcasters, Sports18.

Ashwin played his 100th Test match against England earlier this year. With 516 scalps to his name, the 38-year-old is only behind Anil Kumble (619) in the list of highest wicket-takers for India in the longest format of the game. Ashwin spoke about the amount of hard work and dedication that needs to be put in to maintain solid performances, especially with age.

"Cricket is a game I adore, and I've enjoyed every moment on the field. Age is just a number, but the work you put in over the years takes its toll. You need to work harder to find that edge," he said.

Red soil pitch will offer bounce and value for bowlers: Ashwin

The first Test is being played on a red-soil pitch and Ashwin asserted that the bowlers would be getting good bounce on it. He lauded the MA Chidambaram Stadium for providing good Test match pitches.

"It's always been a good Test match pitch. Most games here, barring one against England, have seen huge scores. The game against Australia felt like 500 versus 500. We're playing on a red soil pitch again, so there'll be bounce and value for the bowlers," Ashwin stated.

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Ashwin also said that the Bangladesh team is improving by the day and they shouldn't be regarded as underdogs anymore, especially after their recent 2-0 triumph in Pakistan.

"Bangladesh have proven they are a team on the rise. They challenged us when we played them in Bangladesh, and their recent win over Pakistan was exceptional. I've always loved seeing underdogs perform, but you can't call Bangladesh underdogs anymore," Ashwin noted.