As a spinner playing overseas, passages of play need to go your way: Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has been the source of plenty of criticism in the past for his poor performance with the ball, playing overseas. However, he received much applause on the second day of the first test match against Australia, as he picked up four wickets which puts India in the driving seat in the Test match.
He dismissed Steven Smith for just one run after a neat catch by Rahane at slips. Australia were bowled out for 191 runs, giving India a lead of 53 runs. Comparisons were made between Ashwin and Lyon after his Australian counterpart used overspin to great effect on the opening day. Ashwin, meanwhile played with drift with subtle changes of pace.
“At times things can get blown out of context on how one approaches their trade,” Ashwin opined. “Even in this particular Test, Nathan and I bowl very differently. We are different bowlers and successful in our own way. For me it’s not so much about the trajectory. It’s about trying and changing it up and trying to making it difficult for the batsman to be able to defend or score.”
“When you are playing abroad, my mindset is to just hold one end up and allow the captain to rotate fast bowlers from the other end. I also go for wickets if there is enough assistance or enough early wickets. For me it’s all about making it as difficult as possible for the batsman.”
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Unfair to compare players in specific conditions: Ashwin
Ashwin stated that comparing players in specific conditions is a bit unfair. “Nobody asks batsmen to go and watch how Steve Smith bats and replicate that all the time when we tour Australia. Nobody does that to Alastair Cook or Joe Root the way they play. We are all aware that everybody skins a cat very, very differently. You can learn, there’s no stoppage to what you learn from people. You can always learn all the finer things, how they go about their business, how they set their fields, the passage of play.”
“I’ve always maintained this, especially when you travel and play abroad away from India, the passages of play need to go your way as a spinner because you are doing a twin job…you are doing it against the conditions. As far I’m concerned, I keep watching and see if I can learn and prepare thoroughly for a batsman and put in the earnest effort. That’s all one can do.”
Ashwin stated that he does not rate his performance on Day two against Australia as one of his best, but stated that dismissing Steven Smith was definitely something that he enjoyed.
“In the last two years, if people don’t reflect on two or three not so great performances, I’ve had decent outings every time I’ve played overseas. Like I said, things can get blown out of context. I’ve put those things in the backyard. I’ve learnt from it and as far as I am concerned, I’ve learnt to enjoy my trade and I want to have as much fun as I can. I don’t want to sit back and think if it’s the best or not. There is an innings to go and I am looking forward to it,” said Ashwin.