India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin won the ‘Player of the series’ award as the hosts beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the two-Test series with a seven-wicket in at Green Park, Kanpur on October 1. Ashwin bagged the ‘Player of the series’ award for the 11th time in the format equaling former Sri Lanka cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s all-time record. Ashwin who took 11 wickets in the series was asked by former cricketer-turned-commentator Murali Karthik why he doesn’t use his ‘carrom ball’ in Tests as often he does in ODI cricket.
“I don't use it as much as I do in the white ball format (carrom ball). I'm happy to settle into the rhythm. The revs I put on the ball cannot be underestimated. So I believe in it a lot more. The different, subtle variations that I can bring to the table. It's about building the spell and getting into a fine rhythm as most spinners will say,” Ashwin said in the post-match presentation.
The 38-year-old talked about how he goes about bowling with a newer ball in Test cricket. He also talked about getting enough purchase from all the surfaces in the country.
“With the new ball you get more bite out of the surface. It is slow. The more you put overspin, it's going to be harder because the ball doesn't leave the surface so you must be able to change the pace up. We've played enough on these surfaces around the country where the soil is similar. So we expect a team with such experience to make those adjustments,” he said.
Big win in WTC context
The seven-wicket win despite losing more than two days to rain and wet outfield helped India continue their domination at home and maintain top spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Ashwin is happy with the crucial points before the three-Test series at home against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil.
“Really glad I'm able to turn up performances for the team's victory. Winning this game was important for us. Lot of bowlers contributed really well for us today. Massive win for us in the context of the WTC,” he said.
