R Ashwin clears yo-yo test, in contention for Kiwis series

Chennai: R. Ashwin is back in contention for the New Zealand limited-overs series, starting in Mumbai on October 22, as the all-rounder cleared the yo-yo fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru on Tuesday. 

Ashwin’s last ODI appearance was in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan in June. The off-spinner is now playing for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy after he returned from his maiden county stint. 

A day after TN’s Ranji opener against Andhra, Ashwin appeared for the fitness test and cleared it quite comfortably, according to sources. “Been a good trip to Bangalore, yo-yo test done and dusted. Now #backtothegrind #Ranji Trophy2017 #teamtamilnadu,” Ashwin wrote on Twitter.

In a recent interview, Ashwin had said he was a man for systems and would strive to match up any system that was put in place. 

“Every leader has a vision on how to bring the team about and this is the vision of the current leadership group then it’s important to respect it. If I were the leader, then I would expect my team-mates to respect it. So, I totally buy into it. I have been in great conditioning ever since I missed the IPL. I have trained madly. You have to take the test and decide how it goes. But I am completely in compliance with it,” he had said. 

Ashwin will now play in TN’s second round match against Tripura to be held in Chennai from Saturday.