England v India, ODI series: Job isn't done yet, says Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on how the time he spent off the field during the first three matches of the Test series against England, which India lost 1-3, helped him work on his bowling skills, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that the team is looking to win as many matches as possible in the 5-match ODI series underway now and that the unassailable 2-0 lead doesn’t mean that the job is done. 

Ashwin said: “I expected not to play in the first couple of Test matches anyway when I came on the tour. I got time to work on my bowling and am happy that the results are showing. I thought this wicket had more bounce than the Test wicket.

“Of course, it does help when you have another spinner. If I am not wrong, both me and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) have a record of about 60-65 wickets against them in the last couple of years. To add to it, (Suresh) Raina and (Ambati) Rayudu also bowled a few good overs today, and it was really great.”

Raina’s brilliance in slips a motivation

Suresh Raina plucks one out of nowhere

The 27-year-old had a special mention for Suresh Raina, who, standing at first slip, took an absolute blinder to dismiss Ben Stokes off his bowling. It is to be noted that MS Dhoni’s men lacked this sort of fielding during the Test series, leading to a number crucial dropped chances. 

Ashwin said: “Raina took a brilliant catch. I thought it was going for four but he plucked it out. Those sort of dismissals egg you on and motivates you to take more wickets. We are quietly confident and hoping to win as many games as possible. It’s not over for us, every match is important.”