Ashwin becomes the first spinner to open the bowling in a County Championship match in 11 years

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently became the first spinner to bowl the first over in a County Championship match in 11 years. The veteran started the proceedings for Surrey against Somerset at The Oval. Ashwin decided to play for Surrey to prepare for next month's Test series against England. The 34-year-old opened the bowling for Surrey after Somerset skipper James Hildreth won the toss and opted to bat first.

Ravichandran Ashwin was roped in the team as a replacement for Kyle Jamieson. He gave away just 2 runs from the first over of the match bowled to Somerset opening batsman Devon Conway and Steven Davies. The off-spinner later claimed the wicket of No.3 batsman Tom Lammonby for 42 in the 40th over. Tom's dismissal reduced Somerset to 113 for 3. Somerset managed to score 197 for 3 at Tea on Day 1. James Hildreth (55) and Lewis Goldsworthy (32) are still unbeaten at the crease. Ravi Ashwin had figures of 1 for 58 from 24 overs before the players dispersed for tea.

R Ashwin is playing for Surrey to prepare for next month's Test series vs England

R Ashwin has represented Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire in the County Championships. He has now joined Hashim Amla as the second overseas player for Surrey in their final Group 2 match. The Indian spinner has been in England along with the rest of India's Test squad. India recently lost to New Zealand in the World Test Championship final. R Ashwin was vacationing with his family, and he also caught up with Wimbledon action from the All England Club earlier this week.

R Ashwin is going to play only one match for Surrey as he has to join the rest of the Indian squad. The entire team was given a 20-day break to gear up for the 4-Test series against England. The five-match Test series between the team will start from August 4. 

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