Homework must for English Tests: Ashwin

Kumar Sangakkara, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Kane Williamson. The thread that unites these top batsmen is rather ignominious as they are all ‘bunnies’ of India off-spinner R. Ashwin.

On the tour to Sri Lanka last year, Ashwin spoiled Sangakkara’s farewell series by taking his wicket on all four occasions. When South Africa toured India earlier this year, Amla and de Villiers fell victims to the off-spinner twice each and recently it was the turn of Kiwi Williamson who was dismissed by the Chennai cricketer four times.

Will Ashwin target Joe Root, the current world No.2, when England visit India for a five-match Test series from the first week of November Suggesting that he never really sketched specific plans for the big names, Ashwin said he was “lucky to get the better of them”. “I am really pleased to put aside these names. But, I am going to be up against a lot of good players in the coming few months. It could be very interesting and I hope that I start off on a good note. England are a very good Test side and it’s not going to be easy to put it past them. I will do my homework and try in ensuring that I stick to good line and length and get my rhythm going,” said Ashwin

The 30-year-old who has been enjoying phenomenal success over the past 15 months by breaking many bowling records said he was not a big fan of numbers. “Sometimes, when you are doing well, you do not really realise how well you are doing. So, at the moment, I just want to enjoy the phase, not looking too far ahead,” he added.

Ashwin, who has been rested for the New Zealand ODI series, said he needed the break. “I wanted this break as, I feel, I need to be fresh for the next Test series. Since last year, I have always maintained that I have been on top of my game. It’s pretty clear from the way the ball’s coming out of my hand.”

Ashwin said getting into rhythm early is important for a bowler and he hasn’t mastered the art yet. “I have been trying to analyse my game as to what has gone right and what went wrong. What I have understood is that rhythm is the most important aspect. Throughout the New Zealand series, I was getting into rhythm a little later into the match. I am still trying to understand the process.”