JOIN USClearly unamused by all the talk around the pitches, not just in India but abroad as well, R Ashwin questioned the logic of those who have criticised the raging turner for the third Test against South Africa.
Ashwin’s second five-for in four completed innings this series and Ravindra Jadeja’s 4/33 helped India bowl out South Africa for 73 in their first innings that drew attention of former cricketers around the world. Former England captain Michael Vaughan termed the wicket here “diabolical” that received an unprovoked rebuttal from Ashwin during his post-day comments.
“Swing, seam and bounce… two days match over at Trent Bridge, I don’t know what’s that about,” pointed out Ashwin, in what was an indirect dig at Vaughan. Ashwin was referring to the Ashes Test between England and Australia earlier this year in Nottingham where the match ended inside three days with the hosts registering an innings win. Stuart Broard claimed 8/15 as Australia were bowled out for 60 in 18.3 overs.
“I think to a great deal it is our team versus the South African team,” he said when asked if such turners reduced the gap between a skilful bowler like him and less skilful bowlers. “Fortunately or unfortunately I do not have the rights over the groundsman to say what kind of pitch needs to be prepared. Once that is done and he lays the six stumps on both sides, it is my job to go out and play. I didn’t complain when I played in Johannesburg, I was dropped for a year and I will not complain here either and I see no reason why I have to complain. What’s the problem with spin and bounce? It is about skill of batsmen to play it and counter it,” he remarked.