Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan hailed Ravichandran Ashwin’s spell on the opening day of the first Test match against Australia. Ashwin returned with impressive figures of 3-42 and helped India bundle out Australia for a below-par score of 177.
Pathan stated that Ashwin’s mind works as a computer and he is well known for his guile. Ashwin has all the variations under his belt and he was able to make the most of them on the opening day.
The off-spinner took some time to hit the straps but got rid of Alex Carey to become the fastest Indian bowler to take 450 wickets, bettering Anil Kumble’s record, who reached the milestone in 93 Test matches.
Furthermore, Ashwin accounted for Pat Cummins and Scott Boland in his fine spell.
Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports, “We are talking about a bowler who is mentally like a computer – his brain keeps on working always about what he should and should not be doing, how to come up with some new thing that can trouble the batters.”
Pathan lauded Ashwin for getting the big wicket of Alex Carey, who scored a quickfire knock of 33-ball 36 and had added 53 runs with Peter Handscomb.
“It was a huge wicket. Alex Carey was playing very well, playing sweeps and reverse sweeps regularly. It was extremely important to break that partnership. What Ashwin tried here was – it doesn’t matter whether Alex Carey plays sweep or reverse sweep, he will bowl a full length only.”
Former Indian all-rounder also showered praise on Ashwin for dismissing Australian skipper Pat Cummins.
“This is what you generally do as a spinner. You don’t bowl the shorter length because if you do that, you get room easily. After that Cummins, he had no answer. He first got the ball to turn a lot and then he took the ball away.”
Pathan tipped Ravichandran Ashwin as a legend for delivering the goods consistently for the team. Ashwin also scored a crucial knock of 23 runs after he was promoted to number three.
“He is an extremely experienced bowler and you will definitely give him the status of a legend now because he has come to the No. 3 position if we talk about the list of bowlers to have taken 450 wickets the fastest – Muralitharan, Anil Kumble and then Ravichandran Ashwin.”
