Ravichandran Ashwin pleased with five-wicket haul

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up yet another five-wicket haul as the Indians were once more on the path towards victory in the second Test at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Speaking at the press conference after the conclusion of the opening day, Ashwin stated that the variation in his speeds attributed to the wickets rather than the variations in line, length, and turn.

Ashwin also added that it did indeed feel nice to secure his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, but, also called for a focus on Day 2 stating that the Indians should not become complacent.

“A little bit of bounce and speed variation, that was important I thought. Most of the dismissals were brought about by the difference in speeds rather than much of spin, actually. It was initially damp and there was some turn, but after that, it flattened out a bit and started going straight. This ball, once it gets older, it becomes easier to bat. There’s a lot more time. I think it was more about bounce and speed variation that created the problem.”

“Everybody wants to start playing cricket one day to achieve what nobody else could achieve. I am happy to be there, at some stage of my career where I am better than everybody else who has played the game. It feels nice, but the only thing that is constant is trying to improve from wherever you are. I think change is very, very important. This is good, but tomorrow is a different day and you have to keep improving.”

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Speaking about KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin had nothing but praise for the 24-year old opening batsman. “From what I think about Rahul, he’s a fine player. We all know that he’s a quality cricketer. He’s made a lot of runs in First-Class cricket. He has pretty much arrived at this level.”

“Beforehand, when he made hundreds for us, it has been crucial knocks. He made one in Sri Lanka which is very very memorable. As a matter of fact, the way he played in the IPL, it’s just an extension. Everybody wants Rahul to do well, which is a big tick for him.”

“I’ve nicknamed him batting machine. He keeps batting all the time and it’s not a surprise that he’s made runs and I’m very happy for him.”

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