Cricket

“If you have to counter-attack such bowlers, you don’t give them wickets” – Pragyan Ojha on Ravichandran Ashwin’s spell in 2nd innings

Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha reckons Ravichandran Ashwin is a different bowler when he gets an early wicket. While Ashwin surprisingly went wicketless in the first innings of the second Test match, he bagged three scalps in the second dig.

Ojha advised England not to give Ashwin any wickets even if they are looking to counter-attack him. The veteran off-spinner was able to dismiss England opener Ben Duckett on the third day’s play when the left-hander tried to play a reverse sweep but ended up ballooning the ball to KS Bharat.

Ashwin then accounted for Hyderabad’s hero Ollie Pope with Rohit Sharma taking a sharp catch at first slip. Furthermore, the wily off-spinner got rid of England’s premier batter Joe Root when the veteran tried to play a big slog on the leg side.

Speaking to Colors Cineplex, Pragyan Ojha said, “He was bowling in the same areas. He just changed his pace. His ball dips when he reduces his pace slightly. That is extremely important. I have been repeatedly saying that the key for Ashwin is that if he gets an early wicket, he doesn’t rush.”

“If a bowler doesn’t rush and takes his time and carries so much experience with him, he becomes extremely lethal. If you have to counter-attack such bowlers, you don’t give them wickets, you don’t attack them,” the former India spinner added.

Ojha feels bowlers like Ashwin gain confidence if they get early wickets and they are more settled at the crease.

“If such bowlers get wickets, they are settled. They know they have got what they need in the last column and can carry their game plan forward at ease, and that they don’t have to go at 5G speed.”

“As soon as he got a wicket, he was at ease. If you had seen his body language closely in the first innings, it was like nothing was happening, and that what should he do to make an impact on the game,” Ojha stated.

Ashwin is now one wicket away from reaching the milestone of 500 Test wickets. The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024