R. Ashwin believed India was “ahead in the game at this point in time.”
He added, “If we have a good morning session tomorrow, we will be further ahead in the game.”
On Australian captain Steven Smith using his feet against him, Ashwin replied, “On this sort of pitch, it’s easier to use your feet against the spinners. If it was a slightly difficult wicket with more footmarks, maybe I would have fancied myself more against him. I do fancy myself still in the game.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Ashwin elaborated, “But it’s not just about Smith alone or any particular name. Nobody is as big as anybody proclaims him to be.”
On his bright but brief innings in the first session, Ashwin said, “I made some runs but am disappointed at how I got out. I was batting at my best. After a long time I got a chance to bat in the middle. We got 400 but if we had made a few more runs we would have been better.”
Asked about being left out for the Adelaide Test, Ashwin said, “These things are going to happen. Not just with me. Won’t stop with me. It’s horses for courses policy and sometimes you need to be appreciative that the team needs someone else more than you. I try to learn from it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said the five-wicket haul against India in his debut Test here will give him “massive confidence” going ahead in his international career.
The speedster took five for 68 on debut as India was bowled out for 408 on day two of the second Test.
Added bonus“It gives me massive confidence going forward,” he said. “I thought I was bowling well even though with the white ball. I just played one Shield game this year coming into this game. But it felt like the ball was coming out of my hand very well, the best it ever has in fact. Taking five wickets in this first Test is very good for my confidence, an added bonus.
“I personally started the summer well in limited overs cricket and always dreamt of doing it in Tests. It was great to have my family here, to have them see me get the Baggy Green yesterday and perform today for the team. It was a very proud moment,” said Hazlewood.
Talking about the cramps suffered on Wednesday, he said, “I took a lot of fluids overnight. It was like a casualty ward yesterday. We knew what we had to do to recover to perform today and all credit to the support staff for helping us. It was hot yesterday and today, but that is part of Test cricket.
“We have to adapt to the conditions and do as best as you can when playing Test cricket.
“I have never experienced cramps like that before. Maybe nervousness of playing my first Test also affected me. But it was good today as I got through it and obviously I am very happy with the way I bowled today,” he added.