Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin recalled his battle with pain during the Sydney Test match on India’s tour of Australia 2020-21 series. The spinner revealed that he was struggling with lower back pain after an injury during the practice session.
Despite the pain, Ravichandran Ashwin bowled 14 overs at a stretch on day four of the test. He then partnered with an injured Hanuma Vihari on day five to put up a gritty batting show. Ashwin stayed at the crease for 128 balls, scoring 39 runs, while Vihari played 161 balls, to help India secure a historic draw.
Recalling the Test match, Ashwin said as quoted saying by news agency ANI, Â “We both got comfortable the instant we went in. We realized what problem we had, he could not come forward and be going on the backfoot. He was struggling from the hamstring injury. When I went to the crease I could not go forward against the fast bowlers. So in that situation, I said we will rotate and see how this will work.”
“After sometimes he was facing the fast bowlers and I was facing the spinners. And with that, we batted for a couple of overs. There was solid communication between him and me we were helping each other out,” he added.
One year to "See you at the Gabba Ash" 🍿#OnThisDay in 2021 – R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari fought to secure a remarkable draw for India at the SCG đź‘Ź
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 11, 2022
It was easily one of the best series which I really enjoyed ‘ Ravichandran Ashwin on India’s Test series win against Australia in 2020-21
Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his brilliant all-around skills on India’s tour of Australia in the 2020-21 Test series. In six innings, he took twelve wickets at an average of 28.83. Ashwin finished as the second leading wicket-taker for India in the test series.
Speaking about his role in the series, Ashwin expressed that he bowling at his best. He added that he wanted to play the last test, but the injury forced him out of the match. Ravichandran Ashwin said:
“Spinner’s role in the whole series was really critical. I was bowling my best. I thought I will take the most wickets in the series but Siraj overtook me which I’m really glad for. But it was easily one of the best series which I really enjoyed. I deeply missed playing the last Test and wanted to play so badly. In this series, I found myself in a really good place.”Â
Recalling the night before his gritty batting display, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that his wife and kids helped him to stand, as he was wincing in pain.
“It was surprising to me that I went bowling after the injury with painkillers. And bowled 13 or 14 over on the trot. It was so bad i was rolling on the floor because of the pain. My wife and kids helped me to stand and then the Physio came to check me. I went to the game crawling, but did my best,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.
India managed a draw in the Sydney Test match, to keep the scoreline at 1-1 at the end of the third test. They went on to win the Test series 2-1 by defeating Australia at the Gabba in the last Test.
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