Ashwin is ‘probably the best in the world’

India Test captain Virat Kohli has credited spinner Ravi Ashwin for the team's success in recent series, including against South Africa, calling him the best spinner in the world.
Ashwin took 12 wickets in the most recent Test, against South Africa in Nagpur, and saw the Proteas lose their frst series away from home in nine years. India's batting was nearly as oor as South Africa's, making Ashwin the key player.
Kohli said of Ashwin's record in 215, bagging a leading 55 wickets so far: "He is a world class spinner, probably the best in the world right now.
"He's stepped up in a big way for us, even in Sri Lanka. He is one of the main reasons why we've been able to win back-to-back series."
Ashwin himself explained his bowling during the series, which has one Test to go with India already claiming the trophy, saying he always planned how to get batsmen like AB de Villiers out.
Ashwin said: "The dismissal was quite well-planned, honestly. I had not given him a single carrom ball all through this tour. I thought on this wicket, to get it to straighten from wide of the crease, I think it was a very, very good ball."
"Most of the cues come when I go out to bat there. When I was defending … there was a difference in the first innings and the second.
"The ball was not spinning viciously. It slowed down a bit, so I knew we had to be a touch fuller to bring them on the front (foot) and also vary our paces and trajectories."
Latest
-
News
Surrey rewrite record books while Lancashire and Northamptonshire take control
Surrey equalled the first-class record for the number of players making half-centuries without passing three figures.
-
News
Brendon McCullum took England job for challenge of improving ‘rock bottom’ team
The ex-New Zealand skipper should, pending visa approvals, arrive in the UK in time to lead a three-Test series against his home country next month.
-
News
Keaton Jennings shines as Lancashire dominate Roses rivals Yorkshire
Jennings, Ben Stokes and Haseeb Hameed were all in excellent form with the bat in their respective matches.
-
News
Michael Atherton believes Brendon McCullum’s appointment could be inspired one
The 40-year-old New Zealander is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers.
-
News
Taking on the world: The Kiwi who played his part in bringing glory to England
Brendon McCullum was the inspiration for England’s 2019 triumph, according to white-ball captain Eoin Morgan.
-
News
A look at past overseas coaches of England’s Test cricket team
Duncan Fletcher, Andy Flower and Trevor Bayliss have held the role in recent years.
-
News
What will Brendon McCullum bring to the England role?
The New Zealander will lead England’s men’s Test team into their new era.
-
News
England appoint Brendon McCullum as men’s Test coach
The former New Zealand captain is understood to have signed a four-year contract.
-
News
Brendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
News
Harry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.