R Ashwin’s 100th appearance in the longest format turned out to be a memorable one as India registered an innings and 64-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala on Saturday (March 9).
With this victory, the Rohit Sharma-led side clinched the five-match series 4-1 and strengthened their position at the top of the WTC points table.
Ashwin played a key role in India’s emphatic victory in the series finale, returning with a nine-wicket haul. The off-spinner finished the series with 26 wickets to his name, including a match-winning spell in the second innings of Ranchi Test as well.
Reflecting on his performance, Ashwin expressed his delight on how he bowled in Dharamsala and Ranchi.
“Feeling very happy. I can't really put a wrap around how I feel right now. Lots of well wishes before the 100th Test. Throughout the series I have gone to different actions, speeds and releases. India is a different, each ground has a challenge. I was really happy with the way the ball came out, most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi,” he told the broadcasters after the match.
Ashwin, who also achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets in this series, also opened up on his tendency to experiment with his bowling.
“Firstly, I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback. Unless I try I will never be able to learn. If I am confident that I can try something I don't hold back,” the veteran campaigner stated.
“I feel times have rolled along. With the number of footages and video analysis going around, people can easily line you up and study you. Not saying sticking to one method won't work. Thankfully experimenting and learning has helped me,” he explained.
Talking about the conditions in Dharamsala, Ashwin said: “Far end I thought there was a bit more bite off the surface and at the other end there was some speed off the surface. With the new ball I got some bounce and kick today. In the first innings when Kuldeep came on from the other side he was able to utilize it.”
Ashwin also lauded Kuldeep Yadav’s stunning exploits in the series. The wrist-spinner took seven wickets in Dharamsala and finished the series with 19 scalps from four matches.
“The way the ball is coming out of Kuldeep's hands is unbelievable. Watching a wrist spinner in such flow and the kind of switches he has been able to make through the series and over the last 10 months is so heartening to see. I can't be more happy for somebody,” he concluded.
Coming to the Dharamsala Test, India rode on centuries from Shubman Gill (110) and skipper Rohit Sharma (103) to post 477 in their first innings, securing a massive lead of 259 runs.
In the second innings, England’s batting line-up collapsed once again as they were bowled out for 195.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
