Often criticised for not delivering overseas, Indian off-spinner R Ashwin says he came of age during the most recent tour of Australia and it won’t be long before his wicket-count goes up abroad.
Ashwin picked up 12 wickets at an average of 48.66 in the four-match series but insisted that it was a decent effort as the wickets Down Under are not particularly conducive for spinners.
“To say it (performance overseas) will get better by the time I’m done, is not how I look at this game. I think I came of age when I played in Australia this time. More than anything else, I think I created a lot of wicket-taking opportunities and put a lot of pressure on the batsman,” Ashwin told ‘ESPNCricinfo’.
“To bowl 30 overs in a day in Australia is a really commendable effort for a spinner in my knowledge. Over the last year, my bowling has come a long way. If you asked me, would you take 25 wickets more or how you are bowling right now, I would say I will take how I am bowling right now because I know the wickets are round the corner,” he said.
Ashwin has been fairly consistent on sub-continental assignments, grabbing 100 wickets from 16 Tests at an average of 23.87. However, he has 24 wickets in 9 Tests abroad at an average of 56.58.
Ashwin said he wants to be an important factor in the team’s performances outside the sub-continent. “Maybe that is what was needed for me to become a better bowler.
“When you go abroad, if everybody plays (their) role to perfection, the role of a spinner is much easier.
Having said that, I should take greater responsibility on myself. I want to emulate some things that the past greats have done. I’d be happier if I had won more games,” he said.