India vs England: “We didn’t think we had enough runs on the board” – Ravichandran Ashwin reveals India were ‘worried’ after batting collapse

India vs England: “We didn’t think we had enough runs on the board” – Ravichandran Ashwin reveals India were ‘worried’ after batting collapse
Ravi Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s spinning ace Ravichandran Ashwin reacted after playing an important role in his side’s facile win over England on day 2 of the third test in Ahmedabad. The visitors struggled against the spinners and at times looked clueless as Ashwin and Axar Patel who took 11 wickets in the match, made merry. The English spinners had a field day as well with Joe Root picking up his best figures of 5/8.

Ashwin crossed the remarkable landmark of 400 test wickets with his scalp of Jofra Archer. He became the second fastest bowler ever to cross the figure after Muttiah Muralitharan. It was a special moment for the offie and he was rightfully congratulated by all his teammates and allowed to lead the team after England’s second innings. He also walked home with the ball due to the landmark although Axar Patel picked up 6 in the second innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on India’s win

Ashwin 4
Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was interviewed by the commentators on Star Sports Network after the third test ended and he reflected on the match and his landmark of 400 wickets. “Pleasant experience (on reaching 400 Test wickets), good that it happened in a winning cause. It was nice to get the crowd on my back and applauding the effort. We were worried after getting bowled out for 145, didn’t think we didn’t have many runs on the board. But we then bowled beautifully on a wicket assisting us,” he said.

Talking about his fitness and the improvements in his game, he said, “At the start of the Australian tour, I didn’t think I would be starting, but then Jadeja broke down and it might have had to happen. I think my bowling is coming beautifully, I thought I was bowling well in the IPL. In Australia, I had a chat with Ravi and Virat on my batting, they felt I was bowling well. I worked a lot on my fitness, this body is aging, have been working on it and it has looked upwards for me since the lockdown.”

“I have been having a lot of chats recently – its incredibly difficult watching the game from the dressing-room, you don’t know how things work. We lost the first Test and it’s extra special to come back and win. People are asking the same question (on what keeps him going). I want to keep improving, that’s what motivates me a lot,” he signed off.

Also Read: When was the last time a Test match ended within two days?