Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been instrumental in India’s 15 run win against England at Cuttack as he picked up three crucial wickets in the middle overs to ensure the visitors didn’t put up a partnership.
The 30-year old has been the pick of the bowlers as he remained the focal point of Indian attack in the middle overs as he ran through England’s middle order with his variations.
Speaking about his performance, he said:
“Obviously, very important to forget the last game. The ground was slightly smaller at Pune. The ground here was slightly bigger. It was important to start off from where I was comfortable with.”
Ashwin has also acknowledged the efforts of MS Dhoni from behind to get his lines right which proved clinical at the end as England fought hard to stay in the game.
“Actually it was very very important to get the feedback from Mahi from behind the sticks as to what pace and channels to bowl at.”
After being out of the ODI team for over a year as he was mostly rested to play in the long test season, Ashwin has acknowledged that there been changes in the ODI bowling as it has changed a lot.
He has also highlighted the amount of influence of Jadeja spell has had on his bowling as he was free to go for wickets with his partner ensuring to keep it tight and economical at the other end.
“The game has changed quite a bit in the last year or so. You have to go for wickets. The extra fielder also helps. Especially the margin by which we won, we needed those wickets as they were big big players for England in the chase.
“It was very very important to chip away with the wickets in the middle overs. Jaddu is very economical with his line and length and allows me the allowance to go for wickets. It is a fine line but I don’t mind that. There was a lot of dew and you try not to use the seam a lot rather go cross seam.”