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ashwin-steve smith
Steve Smith praised Ravichandran Ashwin and called him a world-class performer. The batsman spoke about how the spinner confused him in the first Test in Adelaide. The batsman hopes to learn from his mistake in the upcoming matches which will begin on December 26. He further added that the key to playing against spinners is adapting to the different conditions.
Smith could only manage to score one run off 28 balls before throwing his wicket to Ashwin. His straight delivery took the edge and was safely caught by Ajinkya Rahane at first slip. Considering other bowlers in the team, Ashwin returned with figures of 18-3-55-4 in the first innings of the Adelaide Test.
Ashwin was surprisingly picked up wickets in the first innings of the first Test for India. The spinner grabbed four wickets including the prized wicket of Steve Smith. The wicket of Smith was of utmost importance. After the dismissal, the off-spinner went into a Tahir-style celebration.
Ravichandran Ashwin needs to perform with the bat as well
The Tamil Nadu-based will have a huge role to play if India is willing to stage a comeback in the remaining three-Test series after being 1-0 down. Irrespective of his bowling, the team management will also expect that Ashwin can contribute with the bat lower down the order. The Indian pacers are far from being all-rounders so; therefore, Ashwin will need to have to perform with the bat as well.
Veteran off-spinner Ashwin, on Day 2 of the first pink-ball match recorded his career-best figures of 4/55 against Australia. This was his 8th Test match in Australia, and his previous best figures in a Test innings in Australia was 4/105 in Sydney.
Despite India’s horrible performance, Ashwin has gained in the ICC Test rankings to become India’s top-ranked bowler. Ashwin went past pacer Bumrah to claim the No. 9 positions in the rankings. Bumrah dropped two spots and is now tied with West Indies pacer Jason Holder at the No. 10 places.
Australia won the first match by eight wickets in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the series. India and Australia will now play against each other in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The legendary spinner has so far featured in 72 test matches picking up 370 wickets to date. He has also taken 27 five-wicket hauls.