Ravi Chandran Ashwin is India’s premier most spinner. He is country’s best spinner by some distance as he has been giving match winning performance in many series across the last 2 years. The right arm spinner has been phenomenal in ICC World Test Championship as he has picked up close to 70 wickets in around 14 tests.
Recently, Ashwin became the second quickest bowler to take 400 test wickets. He achieved the feat in just 77 matches, just behind Muralidharan’s 72 matches. Hence, this proves that Ashwin is a genius with the ball.
The only complaint which critics have from Ashwin is his record overseas. While his records at home is impeccable, it is his performance in SENA countries that has been magnified. Moreover, it is true to some extent as he averages more than 40 in both Australia and South Africa.
In England and New Zealand, Ashwin averages 32 which is decent. But, the off spinner is yet to a fifer in any of the four countries which is like a blemish to his records. However, the way Ashwin has bowled in Southampton test vs New Zealand, it appears that his records in SENA countries will improve to a large extent.
The veteran spinner had taken 2 wickets in the first innings as he provided support to his pacers. In the second innings, India are defending a low score of 139 and so, Ashwin came to the party again.
Ashwin keeping India hopes on!
He has dismissed both the openers and has kept India alive in the test. His first wicket was Tomorrow Latham. The left hander tried to smash him by coming down the pitch but was beaten by the flight and dip. Hence, he was beaten as the ball ran past him. Consequently, he was stumped by Rishabh Pant.
Ashwin’s second wicket was of the other opener Devon Conway. It was a good length delivery from the spinner and it turned just enough to hit the pads of Conway. A loud appeal for LBW was given by the umpire and Conway was on his way. He tried to go for the review but his partner at the other end convinced him that he was plumb.
Watch the video of Ashwin 2 wickets:
