Ravichandran Ashwin equals Muttiah Muralitharan for most Player of the Series award in Tests
Team India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin equalled Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan for most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket on Tuesday, October 1. The off-spinner was adjudged the Player of the Series for his exploits with both bat and ball in the series. He scored 113 in the first Test and bagged 11 wickets in the two-match Test series.
Ashwin scalped the first three wickets in Bangladesh's second innings. The Chennai-born player picked up two wickets in the first innings as well. He picked up a six-fer against the visitors in his home Test during the opening game of the series.
Most Player of the Series awards in Tests
- 11 - Muttiah Muralitharan
- 11 - Ravichandran Ashwin
- 9 - Jacques Kallis
- 8 - Sir Richard Hadlee
- 8 - Imran Khan
- 8 - Shane Warne
Ravichandran Ashwin has been equally brilliant with the bat, scoring 113 runs against Bangladesh in the first Test after the hosts were reduced to 144/6 during the first innings. The right-hander shared a 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
The 38-year-old remains critical to India's success in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia as well.
"Really glad I'm able to turn up performances for the team's victory" - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his gratitude for contributing to victory as India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the second Test to register a 2-0 win in the series.
On this, he said to host broadcasters during the post-match presentation ceremony:
"Really glad I'm able to turn up performances for the team's victory. Winning this game was important for us. Lot of bowlers contributed really well for us today.
"Massive win for us in the context of the WTC. When we bowled them out yesterday, it was little after lunch. Rohit was keen that we needed 80 overs to bowl at them."
Ashwin added:
"The kind of bowling attack I'm part of, incredibly proud of it. How Jassi bowls, how Siraj turns in, how Akash turned up, and don't have to mention much about Jaddu.
"With the new ball you get more bite out of the surface. It is slow. The more you put overspin, it's going to be harder because the ball doesn't leave the surface so you must be able to change the pace up."
Click here to check out the IND vs BAN 2nd Test full scorecard.