Mishra content with Ashwin partnership
India spinner Amit Mishra says he enjoys bowling in tandem with Ravichandran Ashwin, and feels no pressure to compete with the younger bowler for wickets as long as he keeps the runs down.
While Ashwin was the top wicket taker in the recent series against India, bagging 21 scalps, Mishra was excellent too, taking 15 wickets at a great economy rate. He felt working together well was more important than personal wickets.
Mishra said of their partnership: "I and Ashwin hunt in tandem and there has been no problem as yet.
"Bowling in tandem doesn't mean both should pick wickets. It is about keeping pressure from one end, when the other guy is picking wickets for the team."
As for his place, he's confident of retaining it given his recent form: "Any professional player should not (worry), and I for one don't think whether I am in the team or not.
"Instead, I focus on improving my bowling and of late, batting.
"I have been doing this for the last four years, which has helped me improve my game which was reflected in my performances during Sri Lanka series."
India, and likely Mishra's, next challenge is to face South Africa in an all-format series, ending with four Tests. Mishra is unconcerned about his side's chances, and feels they are in good enough form to do well.
He added: "The series will be challenging, but we also have a very good team. All players have been performing out of their skins for quite some time.
"I can't talk much about the playing condition, don't know what sort of conditions we will get to play.
"Instead of focusing on it, we are focusing on putting up a good show."
The series starts with a set of three T20s, the first of which will be played on 2 October.
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