After returning just one wicket in the first innings, Ravichandran Ashwin came roaring back in England’s second dig in Ranchi with a five-wicket haul that saw the visitors bowled out for 145. Opening the bowling for just the second time this series, Ravichandran Ashwin dented England’s top order with the wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Joe Root and then came back to clean up the tail.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s heroics on 3rd Day of Ranchi Test.
The third day of the Ranchi Test was a decisive one in the context of the series. It was a chance for England to press on their advantage and take a step closer to square the series. From India’s point of view, they had to fight really hard to get back into the game and set themselves up for series victory. At the end of it, it was India who had the upper hand, finishing the day at 40/0 in their second innings, 152 away from a series-clinching victory, with 10 wickets still remaining.
There were three protagonists for India that helped them stage an excellent comeback after having their backs to the wall. Dhruv Jurel’s 90 and his 76-run stand with Kuldeep Yadav was the chief reason for India being able to post 307 after being reduced to 177/7. R Ashwin then bagged his 35th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and Kuldeep picked up four wickets as they combined to bowl England out for 145 in their second innings, which left India with a target of 192 to go 3-1 up in the series.
Ravichandran Ashwin post his heroics opened up and is confident that India will win the series at Ranchi on Day 4 itself.
Indian spin wizard magnificent Ravichandran Ashwin confident of India winning the 4th test on 4th day
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up his 35th five-wicket haul in the longest format during Day 3 of the ongoing Test against England in Rajkot on Saturday, February 25.
Ashwin is also on the verge of playing his 100th Test for India, which could be the final game of the series in Dharamsala. On being asked about his emotions on nearing the milestone, the veteran spinner opened up on the desire to see India win his 99th Test first.
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the end of play on Day 3, here’s what Ravichandran Ashwin had to say about the fourth Test so far:
“You can pick as many wickets as you want but winning the Test match after 4-5 days, the feeling is surreal. I would like to have that feeling tomorrow. Ro (Rohit Sharma) and Jaiswal have started really well so hopefully they can carry on from here.”
India bundled out England for 145 in their second innings and have set themselves a target of 192 to win the Test. Rohit Sharma (24*) and Yashaswi Jaiswal (16*) have already wiped off 40 runs from the target and have remained unbeaten at Stumps on Day 3.
Ravichandran Ashwin on leading India at Dharamshala in his 100th Test.
Former Indian legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar told Ravichandran Ashwin that it would be great if the latter was allowed to lead the hosts on the field during his 100th Test at Dharamsala.
While Ashwin was moved by Gavaskar’s praise for him, he stated that he had moved past the stage of having such expectations. He said:
“You’re being too generous. Thank you so much. Have removed expectations from all these things. I think I am well past all that but genuinely saying I am enjoying every single moment I am being with this team and the longer it lasts, I will be very happy.”
With India conceding a lead of 47 runs, it almost felt imperative for Ravichandran Ashwin to turn his form around. That’s exactly what happened as the veteran off-spinner’s figures of 5/51 put his team in a great position in Ranchi.
Team India will be wary of England’s fightback, given their successful defense of a modest 230 in the opening Test in Hyderabad. Hence, Rohit Sharma and Co. will not take them lightly even as they are 40-0 in pursuit if 192 but would definitely want to go to Dharamshala for final test on 7th March with 3-1 winning lead over England.