'All credit for the fifth test ton to hitting coach Vikram Rathour': Ravichandran Ashwin

Veteran Ravichandran Ashwin credited the Indian team’s hitting coach Vikram Rathour for his fierce performances with the willow of late.

Amidst the talk around the challenging Chepauk field, Ashwin came in at number eight and showed everyone how to hit a deteriorating surface with an excellent century, putting India on the brink of a series leveling victory in the second. test against England.

“I can’t say what has been happening in the last three days, I have been practicing with Vikram Rathore. I would love to give him credit for how my hitting has developed in the last four-five games, ”Ashwin said at the end of the play on the third day.

This was after his brave show with the bat in Australia, where he held his ground despite hostile fast pitches from the home team.

He was glad he shone so much in front of his local audience.

“I don’t know when the next test will be here, but I’m happy. I don’t know if I will play another test in Chennai, and if I do, when … “

Ashwin’s eleventh teammate, Mohammed Siraj, celebrated the senior player’s fifth test one hundred more than the man himself, who had reached a century in the company of Ishant Sharma in the past.

From the other end, Ashwin enjoyed watching Siraj hit a pair of six.

“In the past, he (Ishant) was with me when I had hundreds at home and once Siraj arrived, I knew how to approach.

“He was excited about his hitting and I told him to go over the ball line. It was surprising to see how excited I was when I got my hundred.

“I don’t know how the team feels, but I’m sure they are excited. I can’t thank the crowd enough, they have been very supportive of me, ”Ashwin said.

After the loss in the series opener, team management discussed ways to counter left-arm spinner Jack Leach, according to Ashwin, who was happy that the sweeping shots went well.

“I’ll get a good night’s sleep, that’s all I’m thinking.

“Even after the last test, we talked about how to counter Leach and probably bring sweep to the game.
“The last time I swept, I was 19 years old, I got a little good today. I am grateful that the plan has paid off. I had a really good day. “

A day before his magnificent effort with the willow (106 of 148 balls) in a pitch that has tested the skill and temperament of the best hitters on both sides, Ashwin returned excellent 5/43 figures for his 29th trip. of five plots in the format.

With an impressive 482 goal, England staggered 53-for-three on the stumps on day three, requiring 429 more runs to go 2-0 up in the four-game series.

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