Ravichandran Ashwin hits maiden fifty for Worcestershire

Veteran Indian spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is currently plying his trade in English County cricket. After being ‘rested’ from the Indian squad from the limited overs fixture on the Sri Lankan tour, Ashwin had signed up with Worcestershire for the ongoing County Championships in England. His move to England was with an intention of improving his game in the English conditions.

Team India, and Ashwin in particular, have had problems in the English conditions before. Hence, his move to play the County cricket seemed very prudent. He has been doing a decent job for the Worcs in the Championships thus far. Playing his fourth match for the team, Ravichandran Ashwin hit his maiden County fifty recently. He hit his maiden fifty on the home ground of Worcestershire against the Durham team.

It was on the second day of the Division 2 fixture when Ashwin returned with 82 runs to his name that came off 130 deliveries. He ended up as the highest scorer in the innings for his team. The team total of Worcestershire was 335 in 90.2 overs. Among the other players who hit fifty in the innings were Joe Clarke, with 65 to his name, and Ed Barnard, with 75 to his credit.

This is not the first time that Ravichandran Ashwin has impressed in the Worcs outfit. Earlier, during a game against Gloucestershire, he had bagged a five wicket haul as well. He has 13 wickets to his name in four matches thus far in the season.

Clouds over India’s limited overs selection

Meanwhile, his future in the India’s limited overs outfit seem bleak. With the selectors constantly resting him and Ravindra Jadeja from the limited overs side, the future of the two Test stars look uncertain when it comes to the ICC World Cup 2019. Also, the emergence of younger lot like Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav has only added to the misfortunes of the ace Indian off-spinner.