Watch: Ravinchandran Ashwin Jets Off To England For County Stint With Worcestershire
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:06 PM
India’s spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin has left for England to ply his trade for Worcestershire in the county championship. The 30-year old is fresh off a good performance in the Test series against Sri Lanka and will be keen to replicate his performance for the county outfit.
The right-hander took to Instagram by posting a photo with a caption that read: “Ticket to Birmingham #goodvibes #traveldiaries.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYNZbZelWWA/?taken-by=rashwin99
Prior to confirming his departure, the off-spinner had posted another video on Instagram to express his excitement with the caption: “Off to the now, can’t wait to enjoy my stint with Worcester ccc. #countycricket #dream #thejourney”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYMxI3GFgMg/?taken-by=rashwin99
Meanwhile, Ashwin getting dropped from the limited-overs team for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka and his subsequent signing for the county team had raised doubts over his future in colored jersey. Chief selector MSK Prasad had confirmed that the Tamil Nadu was rested not dropped but speculations were rife that he did not feature prominently in team’s limited-overs plans.
However, the suggestions have been quashed by bowling coach Bharat Arun who recently said that Ashwin was very much in the team’s plans.
“To be very honest, this is a question you should be asking the selector,” he said when asked about Ashwin’s infrequent ODI appearances in recent times.
“But yes, as a bowling coach, he is an extremely talented bowler. Even if you look at the last one-day which he played in the West Indies, he got 3/25. Ashwin is very, very skillful. That’s it, I’ve answered your question,” he added.
Commenting on Ashwin’s role in the team, the bowling coach said:“I don’t want to see what has happened so far. But what I would like to see is yes, Ashwin is also part of the team we are looking at. We are also looking at giving opportunities to other bowlers. And then we have a long-term plan in place, we would work accordingly.”
Ashwin, meanwhile, will also like to gain some valuable experience from his time in England as he will be keen to prove himself when Virat Kohli & Co. travel to the country next year. A lethal bowler in friendly conditions, Ashwin has not quite managed to live up to the expectations in tough conditions. The last time India visited England in 2014, he had managed just 3 wickets in 2 games before being replaced by Jadeja for the remaining three Tests.