Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who batted his heart out on the final day of the third test between India and Australia which ensured that the match ended in a draw has rated the rivalry of India-Australia highly.
After the post-match presentation, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne had a chat with the Indian bowler asking him about the outstanding effort put by him to ensure a safe exit for his team. Adam Gilchrist then asked Ashwin about the India-Australia rivalry and asked the importance of the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the Indian team. Ashwin said that the team takes this as one of the biggest challenges and likes to visit Australia as it is a different feel to beat Australia down under. He rated this rivalry above the India-Pakistan rivalry and he mentioned the reason for it. He said that the two-nations [India and Pakistan] now don’t play test cricket with each other, hence this is above it.
Ashwin batted for almost 3 and 1/2 hours to ensure that the team doesn’t lose. He was well supported by Vihari from the other end.
India drew the third Test and the series remains leveled at 1-1 as they go on to Brisbane for the fourth and the final test of the series.