Ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka, R. Ashwin seemed unfazed about leading his country’s spin attack which also includes Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra.
“I am really happy with the way the ball is coming out of the hand,” he said.
“I felt all through Australia I bowled brilliantly. Recently I have done things to take my mind away from cricket. I have topped-up my fitness.
“That’s probably the best preparation.”
There has been much talk of pitches in Sri Lanka being more suited for spinners but Ashwin said that one cannot go with pre-conceived notions.
“I don’t know about the wickets. From whatever I have seen, it’s not the same as in India. Sri Lankan pitches have good bounce. The way the Pakistan spinners performed, we can maybe take a leaf out of it.”
Added responsibilityWith India more likely to field a five-man pace attack, there will be added responsibility on the lower-order to contribute with the bat and Ashwin said that it was of paramount importance if one wishes to “flatten out the opposition.”
When asked how the under-fire Indian pace attack and the spin attack will complement each other, Ashwin said it was just a question of working together and getting the balance right.
“In England, Australia and New Zealand, the spinners’ success follows that of a good pace attack. But sometimes we need to chip in. It’s a question of working together.
“We are getting to a stage where we have a good five-man bowling attack. It’s in the making.”
The Test series will be Kumar Sangakkara’s last and Ashwin gave the impression of someone who would relish a final challenge with the Lankan legend.
“Maybe I should carry a bouquet [laughs]. He puts a high price on his wicket. When you get him out once, he will try and ensure that you don’t get him out again.”
On his part, Rohit Sharma sought to draw inspiration from the way Virender Sehwag batted in Galle way back in 2008 when he bludgeoned the Lankan attack.
“Knowing the conditions there after having played some white ball cricket, I do know what to expect,” he said.
“Last time we were in Galle we won the Test. The way Sehway batted for the double century is the way to approach. He completely dominated Ajantha Mendis. That’s the kind of mindset with which I will go.”
Even as the flux in the middle-order is all too visible, skipper Virat Kohli, in his media interaction, did hint at Rohit being given a run at No. 3.
“I think its going to be a headache for the captain and coach,” said Rohit about the batting order.
“But it’s good. This kind of competition will help everyone and bring out the best.”
“No. 3 is a great position to bat. I would like to continue. I need to be patient and relaxed. Like it has happened in ODIs it will happen in Tests too.”
