Have been practising with Vikram Rathour, would love to credit him: Ravichandran Ashwin

Tags: England tour of India 2021, India vs England, 2nd Test at Chennai, Feb 13-17, 2021, England, India

Published on: Feb 16, 2021

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Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday gave credit to India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour for his great showing with the bat in recent times. Ashwin slammed his fifth Test hundred on Day 3 of the second Test against England even as a debate raged over the Chennai pitch among former legends. Ashwin’s 106 was the top-score in India’s second-innings score of 286, setting England a target of 482. The visitors crumbled to 53 for 3 in response.

Speaking to the media at the end of the day’s play, Ashwin said, "I can't say it's been happening in the last three days, I have been practising with Vikram Rathore. I would love to credit him with how my batting has come through over the last four-five matches.”

The 34-year-old was glad to do well in front of his home crowd. Earlier, Ashwin also claimed five wickets in England’s first innings. This is the third time he has scored a hundred and taken a five-wicket haul in the same Test. Ashwin added, "I don't know when the next Test is going to be here, but I am pleased. Don't know if I will play another Test in Chennai, and if at all, when."

Ashwin's hundred saw a grand celebration from number eleven Mohammed Siraj. The off-spinner said that he enjoyed the bowler’s company and his batting as well as Siraj struck a couple of sixes. He further added, "In the past when, he's (Ishant) been with me when I got hundreds at home and once Siraj came, I knew how to approach. I was thrilled for his batting and told him to go through the line of the ball. It was amazing to see how excited he was when I got my hundred

"I don't know what the team is feeling like but I am sure they are thrilled. I can't thank the crowd enough, they have been very supportive," Ashwin said.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer admitted that playing the sweep shot was a plan to deal with Jack Leach. According to Ashwin, "Even after the last Test, we spoke about how we are going to counter Leach and probably bring sweep to the game.

"Last time I was sweeping, I was 19 years old, I hit a bit of sweep shots well today. I am thankful the plan has paid off. Sort of had a very good day."

England went to stumps with Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 19 and Joe Root on 2.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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