We are trying to improve: Ashwin

Contrary to his usual ways, R Ashwin has gone for plenty of runs during the on-going one-day series against Australia.

A combination of placid pitches and counter-attacking Aussie batsmen has reduced his effectiveness. But the Tamil Nadu offie, the joint second-highest wicket-taker in this series so far with five wickets, said on Tuesday that he has enjoyed bowling under pressure.

“Personally, I feel if an additional burden is given to me I am going to really enjoy it, that’s why I am playing the game. The game means a lot of pressure and that’s what keeps exciting me going into a game. If the person next to you is not having a great day it is your responsibility to stand up. I feel it is a really exciting prospect to do and something that is not in your zone probably,” said Ashwin.

The Indian bowlers, with the exception of Ravindra Jadeja, have failed to stop the rampaging Aussie batsmen, and Ashwin said they were confident of improving their game.

“There are always areas that you can work on. We have been trying to work on bowling more and more because that’s the only way that you can get better. Obviously, there are different challenges and demands in the game. There is nothing as such to worry, as the name of the game is to keep improving,” he noted.

“The score of this series has predominately been around 300. It’s definitely challenging in terms of what the batsmen are doing. They are going for their shots. They are playing the high-risk shots and the credit needs to be given. But as I said we are trying to devise different strategies and see what we can do,” he added.

 Ashwin was seen in engaging in a ‘target training’ session along with R Vinay Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Shami under the supervision of bowling coach Joe Dawes. Ashwin explained the slight change in his routine. “It is not about any special session. It is just that we need to do something specific for our own self rather than just go in there and bowling to the batter. We thought we needed a change in the way we are practicing, so we just thought that we will try and do some spot bowling. We were trying to work on more mental space, a good space to be in before the game,” he said.