Ravichandran Ashwin delivered with a phenomenal performance on Day 3 of Nagpur Test to help India bundle out Australia for a paltry. But before taking his Test career’s 35th fifer, he donned the role of nightwatchman in the first innings and did a fine job.
On Day 1, Ashwin came out to bat with just few overs left in the day’s play as a cover for Cheteshwar Pujara. After India’s win over the Aussies, Ashwin revealed the conversation he had with Pujara.
"Ahh... I wanted to get out there and bat. I was suffocated sitting inside the dressing room for hours and hours. I really look forward to going out there and batting. I am getting into good positions. If and when there's an opportunity, I am always ready. Knowing Puji (Pujara), I think it's going to happen,” Ashwin said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
"And I asked Pujara whether he wanted a cover through a night watchman, and he said yes with 20 minutes left in the day", he further added.
Ashwin scored 23 runs from 62 deliveries including a six off Nathan Lyon on Day 2 morning before getting dismissed by debutant Todd Murphy. He shared a 42-run partnership for the second-wicket with skipper Rohit Sharma.
Ashwin explained his plan as Australia came out to bat on Day 3. Ashwin started off with the wicket of Usman Khawaja in his first over. The veteran off-spinner continued to bowl fuller lengths even when David Warner hit him for consecutive boundaries. He cleaned up Australia's middle order -- Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Alex Carey – to complete his fifer in 10 overs.
The wicket was on the slower side. So you want them to be driving. Hence I bowled on full-lengths. I was challenging the outside edge and, at the same time, the change-ups, challenging the other half of the edge as well. I have many variations but didn't try much here,” the 36-year-old said.
During the Nagpur Test, Ashwin also became the second Indian bowler to take 450 or more Test wickets. He is the second-fastest to 450 Test wickets.
