WI v IND 2023: “Ashwin plays with the batsmen’s mind,” Kumble lauds off-spinner’s stunning exploits in Dominca Test win

Ashwin claimed 12 wickets in the first Test against West Indies in Dominica.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jul, 2023

During the first Test against the West Indies in Dominica, India’s R Ashwin once again showed why he is widely regarded as one of the best spinners in the world.

Ashwin ran through the Caribbean batting line-up in both innings, returning with 12 wickets to script India’s thumping victory by an innings and 141 runs.

While the ace-spinner claimed a five-wicket haul (5-60) in West Indies’ first innings, he picked up seven scalps (7-71) in the second essay to bundle out the hosts for a paltry 150 and 130.

With this stunning exploits, Ashwin took his international wickets tally to 709, only behind the great Anil Kumble (953) in the list of most international wickets for India.

Speaking on JioCinema, Kumble hailed Ashwin's significant contribution in the Dominica Test win, calling it the best performance by any Indian in the West Indies.

"Ashwin plays with the batsmen’s mind. It's not just about the skills you possess but also the ability to transfer pressure onto the batter. This was evident in the body language of every batter that faced R Ashwin," Kumble stated.

"Ashwin bowled wide off the crease, making the ball come into the left-hander. When [Tagenarine] Chanderpaul anticipated the balls coming in, Ashwin delivered a beautiful delivery that drifted in, left him, and took the off stump," he added.

The legendary leg-spinner also lauded Ashwin's ability to read the pitch and adjust his bowling strategy accordingly.

By winning the Dominica Test, India took an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test will get underway on July 20 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Jul, 2023

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