Ravichandran Ashwin, the experienced Indian off-spinner, described the 2012 Test series against England in India as a pivotal moment in his career. Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted that this challenging series helped him identify and rectify flaws in his game.
In the 2012 Test series, led by Alastair Cook, England secured a historic 2-1 victory over India, marking India’s last Test series loss at home to date. Ravichandran Ashwin faced difficulties during this series, managing only 14 wickets at an average of 52.64. He was outperformed by the English spinners Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, who overshadowed his performance.
Taught me what to correct in my game- Ravichandran Ashwin on 2012 Series against England
At the press conference ahead of his 100th Test match, the veteran off-spinner reflected on the importance of the 2012 series defeat to England.
“The 2012 series against England was the turning point for me. It taught me what to correct in my game,” Ashwin said to PTI.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer will join an elite group of Indian players as the 14th individual to play in at least 100 Test matches. He is set to achieve this milestone when he represents India against England in the fifth and final game of the series in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.
More than the destination, the journey has been very special- Ravichandran Ashwin on Playing his 100th Test
Looking back on his illustrious career, the off-spinner acknowledged the significance of reaching this milestone, describing it as a momentous occasion. Ravichandran Ashwin also expressed that his journey in cricket has been truly remarkable and special.
“(It’s) a pretty big occasion. More than the destination, the journey has been very special. It doesn’t change preparation for this game. We have a Test match to win,” he said.
“100th Test matters a lot to me, but it matters more to my father, mother, wife and even my kids. My kids are more excited about the Test. Families go through a lot during a player’s journey. My father still answers 40 calls on what his son did during a game,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.
Earlier in the series, Ashwin achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the second Indian bowler, after Anil Kumble, to take 500 or more wickets in Test cricket.
Has to be 2018-19 in Birmingham- Ravichandran Ashwin on his Best Spell
When asked to select his top spells in Test cricket over his illustrious career, the 37-year-old identified his performance in Birmingham during the 2018-19 series as one of his standout displays.
“One of my finest spells in Test cricket has to be 2018-19 in Birmingham,” the off-spinner replied.
In the 2018-19 Test match in Birmingham, the off-spinner took seven crucial wickets, dismissing key players like Alastair Cook and Joe Root. Regarding the playing conditions in Dharamsala, he acknowledged that it is very cold there.
“21 years ago, I was here playing u19 cricket for two months. It is pretty cold, will take more time for fingers to adjust. That’s the beauty of it, the unknown,” he said.
In his 99 Test matches so far, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 507 wickets at an impressive average of 23.91. He has achieved 35 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls in his Test career.
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