India head coach Rahul Dravid paid a stirring tribute to R Ashwin, who played his 100th Test in India’s fifth and final match against England in Dharamshala. Ashwin marked the occasion by taking 9 wickets, including a fifer.
This made Ashwin the first bowler ever to take a fifer both in his debut Test and in his 100th Test match. Ashwin also ended as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 26 scalps.
He had to withdraw from the third Test in Rajkot due to a family emergency, but in a brilliant display of commitment towards the side and the game, Ashwin returned merely a day later and also took the field in the same match, taking a wicket in the second innings.
Indian head coach Rahul Dravid hailed Ashwin for his undeterred commitment to the Indian team throughout the series.
“Some great performances all through, hard to pick one standout moment. I'll just say Ashwin coming back to the team after what he went through… yeah, the performances were there, we expected us to do well, but Ash coming back after what he went through, for the team, and wanting to come back and contribute to the team, it really signifies what this team is about, and what the character of this team is. That was the standout moment in this series. It really gladdens your heart as a coach,” Dravid told the broadcasters.
During the Rajkot Test, Ashwin had picked his milestone 500th wicket.
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Meanwhile, Dravid also lauded the Indian team for the way they performed in the entire series despite missing some big names. He was proud of the Indian captain Rohit Sharma for leading a bunch of youngsters in the team and called him a terrific leader.
“Proud of the team. To go behind in the first Test was disappointing but to bounce back was great. We have always found people to step up. In various situations we have been put under pressure. Obviously we missed a few key players but we believe there is an incredible amount of talent in India. Terrific to see youngsters do well. Performances were all-round as went down our whole squad, that was the pleasing thing. I have the privilege of working with a lovely team, it's not just about me. I am learning from them all the time. Rohit has been fantastic to work with. He is a terrific leader. The guys gravitate towards him phenomenally, which is fantastic to see,” Dravid said.
Dravid also praised the selection by BCCI selectors as India handed debut to five players in the series.
“Shout out to Ajit (Agarkar) and his team (selection panel) as well. As a coach or captain you don't actually get to see a lot of the youngsters that come in. They picked the right ones and they have come here and performed. Not easily being a selector. Big pat on the back for Ajit and his team as well,” Dravid signed off.
