India's Test specialist R Ashwin does a lot of homework before stepping on the field. He had revealed about his analysis and calculations while talking to Gaurav Kapur in Breakfast with Champions.
The off-spinner once again threw light on his preparation before a Test match. He bagged 8 wickets in the first Test against South Africa. In an interaction with the broadcasters of India vs South Africa clash, Ashwin revealed, "I start listening to their press conferences, start watching their practice sessions to see what they've done. I watch videos, go to different websites to study. I also see their record over the past six months, how they have gone about dealing with off-spinners, with spinners in general -in South Africa, away from South Africa, what sort of troubles they've had and identified attacking zones for the bowler."
Ashwin explained how he makes points to study for the matches even when he is away from cricket.
"If it is a six-ball period, I would go towards the good length area, prodding there, looking for their inside and outside edge, open the gate for bowled. This how generally the off-spinners operate. I concentrate on the stumps for a period of time and then go wider, shoulders do not open, slip into play, shoulder opens up and the ball spins, it brings the short leg into play. Once the shoulder opens, not all the strokes will be under control, catching mid-wicket, short mid-wicket will be in play, short leg.
"Once a batsman is scared of his pads, the bat starts going in a funny fashion, at an angle. These are things I work on. When the batsmen start changing their strategies, that's when I start winning," he further added.
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It is essential to target the weak points of a batsman and Ashwin makes sure he prepares his strategy accordingly.
"Once a batsman plays out two to three overs, I pick up their strategy, either I break my spell and come back with a different strategy or immediately go for something different. One of the most important things is to have all tools in order - my arm ball, my off-break, my topspin, my carrom ball. Plans are pretty much similar," said Ashwin.
(WITH HINDUSTAN TIMES INPUTS)
