What to Expect in the 2nd ENG vs SL Test: Three Critical Aspects
As England and Sri Lanka prepare to face off in the second Test at Lord’s, the series is finely poised. England secured a convincing win
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s seasoned off-spinner, is gearing up for his 100th Test match appearance, a testament to his prowess and longevity in international cricket. While his exploits on home soil have been well-documented, it’s time to shed light on the five overseas bowling spells that went unnoticed but played a crucial role in shaping India’s fortunes.
Against the backdrop of a humiliating home defeat in Pune, India faced immense pressure in the second Test against Australia in 2017. Ashwin’s heroics in the second innings are well-known, but his contribution in the first innings was equally significant. Bowling a marathon 49 overs, Ashwin claimed two crucial wickets, providing the breakthrough that allowed Ravindra Jadeja to capitalize and swing the momentum in India’s favor.
During India’s 2018 tour of England, Ashwin’s overseas prowess took center stage in the first Test at Edgbaston. Overshadowed by Virat Kohli’s century, Ashwin’s four-wicket haul in the first innings, including the dismissals of Alastair Cook, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Stuart Broad, showcased his effectiveness in challenging English conditions. His second-innings performance further dismantled England’s top order, underlining his impact in a closely contested match.
In a turnaround year for India’s overseas endeavors in 2018, Ashwin’s adaptation to challenging conditions was noteworthy. In the second Test against South Africa in Centurion, Ashwin, after being omitted in the first Test, claimed four crucial wickets in the first innings. His disciplined bowling, dismissing key South African batsmen, played a pivotal role despite India not clinching the victory.
Post the infamous 36 all-out debacle, India faced the prospect of a series loss against Australia in 2020. Ashwin, however, emerged as a linchpin in India’s epic turnaround. In the first innings of the Melbourne Test, he took three crucial wickets, including Steve Smith’s dismissal for zero. This set the tone for Australia’s unexpected collapse to 195 all out, ultimately paving the way for India’s historic series win.
Ashwin’s extraordinary display of skill and determination in the inaugural match of India’s 2018 tour Down Under underscored his unwavering resilience and exceptional ability to clinch victories. With a remarkable contribution of 86.5 overs, he adeptly claimed six wickets while delivering an impressive 22 maiden overs. Across both innings, Ashwin systematically disassembled Australia’s top order, playing a pivotal role in India’s hard-fought 31-run triumph. His marathon effort on the bowling front was undeniably instrumental in securing a memorable victory for the Indian team.
As Ravichandran Ashwin reaches the milestone of 100 Test matches, it’s crucial to acknowledge his overseas bowling spells that often went unnoticed. From pivotal breakthroughs in challenging conditions to match-winning performances, Ashwin’s contributions have been integral to India’s success on foreign soil. As fans celebrate his landmark appearance, let’s also reflect on these five underrated spells that define the maestro’s resilience and skill beyond the comfort of home conditions.
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