Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded R Ashwin’s ‘crucial’ knock in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, saying that he used his experience very nicely. 

Team India had a poor outing with the bat in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg as they were bundled out for just 202 runs. 

The hosts struggled against the South African bowlers as they were reduced to just 116/5 with stand-in skipper KL Rahul being the only batter to smash half-century. 

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At 100/5, it seemed that Team India would find it difficult to cross the 200-run mark. But R Ashwin, who came to bat at No.7, played a fiery knock of 46 runs in 50 balls and helped his side post a fighting total on the board. 

Ashwin batted aggressively and cashed on every opportunity to score runs, helping India to go past 200 runs in the first innings. Notably, the right-hander was the second-highest scorer for his side in the first innings. 

Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said that R Ashwin’s batting average could’ve been much more higher than 30 as he can bat. He remarked that his knock of 46 runs in the first innings of the ongoing second Test against South Africa was very crucial. 

"In between, I thought his average could have been much more higher than 30 because he has the ability to bat. But he needed to show his method as far as batting is concerned and scoring some runs. And his 46 is very very crucial runs", Irfan Pathan said. 

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Pathan lauded R Ashwin for his knock, saying that it came when India was in trouble and he used his experience nicely. He pointed out that he played the shots which got him runs and his knock was very crucial. 

“It came at a time when India were in trouble and someone needed to use their experience. Ashwin used his experience very nicely. He just kept playing the shots because he knew even one ball will take his wicket and that's why he needed to play those shots which can get him runs. 46 is very crucial runs,” he said. 

After getting bowled out for 202 runs, India started decently with the ball as Mohammad Shami removed South African opener Aiden Markram, leaving the hosts 35/1 at Stumps on Day 1 

(Star Sports inputs)