Watch: R Ashwin’s 14th 5 wicket haul flummoxes the South African batsmen

Watch: R Ashwin’s 14th 5 wicket haul flummoxes the South African batsmen: Ravichandran Ashwin has been a lethal weapon in India’s armoury and delivered the goods whenever called upon. He has troubled the South African batsmen in the ongoing series with masterly guile and variations. Ashwin’s ability to make an immediate impact on the game has been evident much to the delight of the Indian fans and the Indian skipper as well!

At Nagpur India scored 215 runs in their first innings and again needed Ashwin to produce a spell full of wickets. The off-spinner didn’t disappoint and picked up 5/32 which helped bundle out the visitors for a paltry 79. He and Jadeja bowling in tandem destroyed the Proteas’ much-hyped batting lineup.

He gave India the breakthrough by picking up opener Stiaan van Zyl. It was a classical off spinner’s dismissal with drift and turn which took the batsman’s outside edge and Ajinkya Rahane at first slip did the rest. Dean Elgar has been at the receiving end of Ashwin’s fury and was cleaned up by India’s premier bowler looking to cut a seam-up delivery that came in; too close to the body it was a difficult shot to execute.

Hashim Amla has had a miserable tour and continued his poor form. In trying to play a sweep shot, the ball hit his arm, bat on the toe end, off the keeper’s shoulder and popped up tamely for Rahane at first slip. Amla is a gentleman cricketer and showed his sportsman spirit by walking off even before the umpire had given the decision.

Also Watch: Hashim Amla shows great sportsman spirit against India in the Nagpur Test

Simon Harmer got an unplayable carom ball which pitched well outside leg, turned and uprooted the off stump. This was reminiscent of the ‘T20 ball of the century’ Ashwin bowled to Amla in the T20 World Cup, the only difference being the one at Nagpur turned more. He wrapped up the innings with an easy caught and bowled offered by Morkel. His spell has firmly put India in the driver’s seat to win the Test and the series.

Watch via (BCCI Twitter Handle)