In the ongoing third Test between India and England at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged England’s aggressive approach, stating that it has hindered India’s ability to strategize effectively. Despite India posting a respectable total of 445 runs, England emerged with guns blazing. By the end of Day 2, they had reduced their first-innings deficit to 238 runs with 8 wickets remaining.
Ben Duckett’s explosive century, achieved off just 88 balls, saw him remain unbeaten on 133 runs from 118 deliveries by the day’s close. With 207 runs on the board for the loss of only 2 wickets in 35 overs, England’s intent was evident. Ravichandran Ashwin noted that England’s aggressive playstyle limited India’s bowling opportunities and forced them to remain on their toes.
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“The way England are playing, you’re not having to bowl a lot of overs. They’re showing a lot of intent, giving us less time to think and also less labor… You have to bowl good balls and expect one of those airy-fairy shots to go to hand,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked post-play.
Regarding the match’s status, Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized its delicate balance and stressed India’s need to remain proactive to secure a potential win and a series lead of 2-1. He underscored the necessity for India to counter England’s aggressive play and regain control.
“I expect this pitch to get really tough to bat, probably on day five. We need to hang in there… The game is hanging in the balance. Some things go our way tomorrow morning and we’ll find ourselves dominating. They’re putting us under pressure, but it’s important to respond,” he added.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s personal milestone of becoming the fastest Indian to reach 500 Test wickets added significance to the match. Additionally, he joined an elite group, becoming only the third player, after Stuart Broad and Shane Warne, to achieve the feat of 3000 runs and 500 wickets in Test cricket.
