Hyderabad: R Ashwin, who will spearhead the Indian bowling attack in the one-off Test against Bangladesh, revealed he enjoys bowling in Hyderabad, the city which will host the Test. The Tamil Nadu tweaker has happy memories playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal – a venue where he has picked 18 wickets in 2 Tests.
"This is a very good venue not just because of my happy memories, but also because of the entire facility. It has a lush green outfield and it is a big ground for a spinner. You can toss the ball a little bit more over here. There is a bit of hold and bounce in the wicket, so it gives you allowance to try and be imaginative on this ground. I enjoy bowling here, but this is going to be a fresh game and I need to start afresh," said Ashwin in an interview to BCCI.TV.
Ashwin was named ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year last year for his solid success. The World No 1 Test bowler and all-rounder, who was pivotal to India’s brilliant run of form in Test cricket in recent times, will be keen to bamboozle the Mushfiqur Rahim side.
While the rain played spoilsport in the one-off Test between India and Bangladesh back in 2015, Ashwin managed to scalp five wickets before rain brought the game to standstill in Fatullah. Ashwin said he would like to repeat his recent performance as the teams take on in the one-off Test starting on February 9.
"That spell in Fatullah (5/87) was unbelievable. It was one heck of a spell. The ball was coming out of my hand like a dream. If I can repeat that here in Hyderabad against them, it will be fantastic," Ashwin said.
"Bangladesh are a quality side. They have played some fantastic cricket. They are coming from New Zealand. We know playing New Zealand is not easy and they put up some stellar performances against them. They are a side on the rise, so we cannot take them lightly. We have to follow our routines and do the same thing again and again in a Test match scenario because Test cricket can sort you out quickly," added Ashwin as he felt that touring New Zealand is not easy.
Ashwin also spoke about how he played through an injury during the England series, he picked 28 wickets in the five-match Test series – and how he prepared for the Bangladesh Test.
"I had athletic pubalgia (sports hernia) and I have managed that since the series against England. I needed the break to recoup before the Test series. The break was about rehab, about training and doing active recovery. It basically occupied most of my time. It was all about getting ready for the Test series. It Is very important to get back to your drawing room and do things that help you relax before an important series. These series can be exhaustive both mentally and physically. It is crucial to recharge your batteries," concluded Ashwin.
