Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is becoming a nightmare for the visitors in the ongoing Test series between Indian and England. Ashwin picked the five-wickets haul in the first and second, both matches of the series so far. He gave an outstanding all-round performance in the second where he picked 8 wickets in total and scored a century in the turning track of Chennai.
England’s assistant coach Graham Thorpe admits that the Indian off-spinner is the biggest challenge for the visitors and he will again strike in Ahmedabad in the thirst Test. While talking to the media Thorpe was asked how English left-hand batsmen are preparing to go through the challenge of Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Not just for the left-handers, if the pitch spins, he is obviously dangerous for right-handers as well. He is a fine bowler in those conditions as well. In terms of working with the players, it is important to get a good clear mind and try and reflect on what could we have done better. It comes back down to similar things. Trying to trust your footwork and also trusting your defense. Staying calm, as calm as we can.” Thorpe replied.
Thorpe also advised England batsmen to go with a positive mindset against Ashwin and that could the only possible way to put pressure on the Indian off-spinner.
“You need to be positive in your mind, in terms of your ability to score runs as well. And, hopefully, that puts you in a better position, whether you are attacking or defending. Again, another tough week ahead of us. We are looking forward to it.” 51 years old further added.