Picture Credit: Twitter
India's all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin surprised everyone after cutting his holidays short to play for Surrey in the ongoing County Championship 2021. The 34-year-old wanted to make use of every opportunity to get acclimatized to English conditions ahead of the 5-match Test series against Joe Root's side. After registering figures of 1/96 in the first innings followed by a first-ball duck with the bat, the script wasn't going as per plans for the veteran all-rounder. However, Ashwin once again proved his worth as a red-ball bowler on Wednesday, leaving everyone in awe of his brilliance.
Ashwin bamboozles everyone with his off-spin
After conceding a mammoth 189-run lead in the first innings, Surrey had to produce a special performance with the ball to make their way back into the match. These are the situations Ravichandran Ashwin thrives upon as he literally weaved his magic at Kennington Oval. After being given the responsibility to bowl with the new ball once again, Ashwin kept bowling in tight areas and eventually reaped rewards for his disciplined bowling.
After dismissing opener Steven Davies with a perfect off-spin delivery, Ashwin then got the better of Tom Lammonby who tried to attempt a reverse-sweep. The 34-year-old then showed his class to the right-handed batsmen as he got James Hildreth out LBW before dismantling the stumps of George Bartlett. Ashwin completed his five-wicket haul after dismissing Roelof van der Merve. The off-spinner also cleaned up Ben Green to finish with figures of 6/27 in 15 overs, which included 4 maidens.
Watch Ashwin's wickets here:
Perfect practice for Ashwin ahead of England series
The stint with Surrey would certainly prove to be very beneficial for Ravichandran Ashwin as he will be India's strike bowler against England. With the pitches in the UK not proving too much assistance to the spinners, the 34-year-old will certainly have to find different ways to trouble the English batsmen similar to what he did against Somerset on Wednesday.
Ashwin will also have to play a vital role with the bat for India in the coming months and would hope to spend some time in the middle if he gets to bat in the 4th innings as Surrey try to save the match on Day 4.