Mohali: R Ashwin once again justified why he is the number one all-rounder in ICC Test rankings as he scored match-turning 72 against England in India first innings and scalped four wickets in the match to guide Virat Kohli-led side to victory in the third Test against England in Mohali on Tuesday.
The Indian off-spinner revealed that the Indian lower-order back itself to contribute with the bat.
“We were in a bit of bother on day two but we back ourselves. The lower order backs itself to put on 125 runs every time. We put on a stellar show,” Ashwin told BCCI.TV.
Ashwin lauded team’s bowling performance saying, “We got the wickets because of the pressure. Special mention needs to go to Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja). The wicket wasn't doing much, he kept bowling those boring areas.”
India bundled out England for 280 in the first innings on a batsman-friendly wicket and repeated the same feat dismissing the Alastair Cook-led side for 236 in the second innings.
While his delivery to get Cook bowled in the second innings was an absolute peach, Ashwin was equally happy with the way he dismissed Moeen Ali.
“I enjoyed both Cook and Moeen wickets. I knew he (Moeen) would step out, so I slowed it down,” said Ashwin.
The leader of the Indian bowling attack also spoke about the discomfort he had during the Mohali Test.
"A bit of a lower abdomen strain. It was very bad on the second day but it has got better,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin also joked about Parthiv Patel’s height while praising the left-hander’s contribution in team’s win. The Gujarat skipper, who was brought in to replace injured Wriddhiman Saha in the team, scored a cracking 67 following his 42-run knock in the first innings.
“Parthiv plays like this in first-class cricket too. When you drop it short, for us it is good length but for PP it is short," Ashwin concluded.
