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Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role in rescuing India from a difficult position on the Day 1 of the first Test match against Bangladesh. R Ashwin scored a fighting century (113) when India needed it the most, partnering with Ravindra Jadeja, to take India from a precarious 144/6 to a more respectable total of 376. It is only due to R Ashwin's counter-attacking century that India are on cusp of sealing the first Test as they were well placed at 81/3 in their second essay at the end of Day 2, extending their lead to 308 runs.
What brings Ashwin more joy – Five Wickets, Ten Wickets, or a Century?
But Ashwin encountered a riveting question in the presser after the Day 2's play. The ace spinner was asked as to what gives him more joy: five wickets, 10 wickets or a century, to which he replied:
“I don't know how to answer that. We want to come and do well everyday. You take what you get on that day. Putting a lot of work. Doesn't matter whether it is batting or bowling. Happiness. Every time I do well, it puts me in a great state of mind. You feel happy that you have come out on top in the contest,” Ashwin said in the press conference after the Day 2 game.
“Playing at home is very special. It is not like India where there is a rotation policy. Coming back home is a special feeling. Many people will come tomorrow due to the weekend. I have good memories of both. Last time I played in Chennai, I was making a comeback in more ways than one. I had not cemented my place in the team. My batting has come along a lot since that game that time. I have worked on how to maximise my shots,” he added.
Ashwin-Jaddu combo with both bat and ball?
The 38-year-old veteran spinner also heaped praise on Jadeja, who weaved a 199-run partnership with Ashwin to rescue India.
“Jaddu is one cricketer who has evolved. I am envious of him. He keeps it simple. I wish I was him. He is an exceptionally good cricketer. Watching him bat has given me insight as to how I need to grow in batting. We are enjoying our success even more,” Ashwin further stated.
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India inch closer to sealing the first Test
The Rohit Sharma-led India are in a commanding position against Bangladesh in the first Test being played in Chennai. India's impressive performance on Day 2 has given them a massive lead and they are now looking to set a challenging target for Bangladesh in the final innings. Ashwin's century (113 runs) and Jadeja's fifty (86 runs) were instrumental in India's strong first-innings total of 376 runs. The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, then bowled out Bangladesh for 149 runs. With a lead of 227 runs, India finished the day on 81/3, extending their overall lead to 308 runs. While Jadeja claimed two wickets, Ashwin was unable to make an impact with the ball.
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