Ravichandran Ashwin spun a web around Australia with the ball to script India’s innings and 132-run victory in the opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at VCA Stadium, Nagpur.
After India took a massive first-innings lead of 223 runs, Ashwin demolished the Australian batting line-up in their second innings. The veteran off-spinner returned with the figures of 5 for 37 in his 12 overs as the hosts bundle out the tourists for a mere 91 to wrap the match inside three days.
After the game, Ashwin admitted that he did change his bowling action for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but it had nothing to do with Australia's preparation for the series.
Notably, the visitors had roped in a little-known Baroda spinner Mahesh Pithiya, whose bowling action resembles Ashwin’s, as their net bowler ahead of the series opener.
"I think that person is long gone. However, I did change my action for this series. But it has nothing to do with how Australia prepped up for the series. Every team that goes on tours, we know how difficult it is to start off tours. We're trying to recreate match scenarios as much as possible. Australia would do that like we would do when we go to Australia or England. We would do that too. For me, there are different reasons why I changed my load up. I did that and I'm glad that it just came through well," Ashwin quoted as saying on Star Sports.
The 36-year-old heaped praise on his long-time spin twin Ravindra Jadeja, calling him an invaluable asset to the team.
Ashwin also lauded the latest inclusion to India’s spin powerhouse – Akshar Patel, who also chips in with handy batting contributions.
"Look, it is not just Jadeja alone anymore. Before I go past Jadeja, I must say, he is an invaluable asset. We pretty much played our careers together as spin bowlers for our country and when you start off early, you're a bit young, you're a bit instinctive. You don't realize how important one another is. But over the years, over the four or five years, I have realized how much of an asset he is to the team and how important he is to me as a bowler as well. He gives nothing away. He allows me to experiment a bit more. Be a bit more creative. Which is my natural self. The way he is batting is phenomenal. Can't leave Akshar too far behind. But I think we're extremely lucky to have three spinners who can bat," Ashwin said.
