"Great to see his ego being hurt as a bowler and him showing how he feels when that happens" - Dinesh Karthik hails Ravichandran Ashwin
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has praised veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for rising to the occasion and overcoming his sub-par bowling form on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand. Ashwin struggled in the first five innings of the New Zealand series, picking up only six wickets at an average of over 51.
His struggles played a major role in India's shock defeat in the first two Tests to surrender the series. However, the 38-year-old returned to his best in the second innings of the third Test with figures of 3/63 to help India take control of the contest.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 2, Karthik was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying:
"Today, I felt it for the first time this season. He was pushed to a place where he wanted to show, ‘no no, it’s enough. I've to show my skill set'. I don't think he was anywhere close to his best even today, but it was great to see his ego being hurt as a bowler, and him showing how he feels when that happens."
He added:
"I saw a distinct body language. If you followed Ashwin closely, he's not a Virat Kohli type of personality who is in your face and aggressive. But there's a certain body language when you know he really wants to do well, the way he celebrates when he picks up a wicket, or the intensity that he feels."
Ashwin's scalps included New Zealand's top scorer Will Young (51) and their star batter in the series Rachin Ravindra. Apart from his bowling resurgence, the veteran produced a spectacular catch off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling to dismiss Daryll Mitchell.
"Any runs saved in this innings is going to be much more critical for us when we chase it down" - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin spoke at the end of the second day about the importance of bowling New Zealand out as quickly as possible on Day 3 on a deteriorating Mumbai wicket.
His stellar bowling efforts have reduced the Black Caps to 171/9 with an overall lead of 143 for the visitors in the second innings.
Speaking to the local broadcasters at stumps on Day 2, Ashwin said (via Cricbuzz):
"Hopefully not many, we should wrap it up with one or two runs here and there. Any runs saved in this innings is going to be much more critical for us when we chase it down. It's not going to be easy, we'll have to bat really well."
Having already conceded the first home Test series in over a decade, Team India will be desperate to avoid a whitewash on Day 3 of the third New Zealand Test.