Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday dedicated his glorious milestone of achieving 500 wickets in Tests to his father. Ashwin completed the milestone by taking the wicket of England opener Zak Crawley on Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. Ashwin, speaking after the day’s play, also applauded England’s attacking intent and urged his side to stay into the game.
India got bundled out for 445 runs in the first innings of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. Debutant Dhruv Jurel starred in the Indian batting line-up on the second day, scoring 46 runs. Ashwin also chipped in with the bat, scoring 37 runs to help India’s batting even further.
England in reply came out all guns blazing. The England batters did not hold back at all as Ben Duckett took the attack to the opposition. Duckett scored an attacking century in just 88 balls. He remained not out at 133 as England ended the day at 207/2.
Ashwin, speaking after the day’s play, dedicated his 500-wicket milestone to his father. “It’s been quite a long journey. Firstly I’d like to dedicate this feat to my father. He’s been with me through thick and thin, probably had a heart-attack every time he’s watched me play. His health has probably gone for a toss because of that,” Ashwin said.
It’s important we stay composed and stay in the game: Ashwin
Speaking about the match, Ashwin said the game was finely balanced.
“England are showing a lot of intent, playing like they would in an ODI or T20 game. Given us a lot to think about, we have to keep doing what we’re doing and hope that one goes to hand. The surfaces we’ve played on in this series has allowed the batters time on the first three days,” Ashwin said.
“Expect this pitch to get hard on Day 5. We need to exercise discipline, England have been in such positions before. I think the game is in the balance, they’re putting us under pressure but it’s important we stay composed and stay in the game,” he added.
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