Sublime Ashwin sprints to 200
KANPUR: Comparing an off-spinner with a leggie of another era is difficult, and can trigger a debate.
Most ex-cricketers scorn at such comparisons as each has a different role, and cricket earlier was different. But we do evaluate and both are judged by the wickets they have taken and how quickly they got them.
Unlike off-spinner R Ashwin, who became the second fastest to get to 200 wickets on Sunday, Australian leg-spin legend Clarrie Grimmett is from the 1920s and 30s era when cricket wasn’t televised. So his credentials are based on those who reported on his skills from press boxes without the aid of television replays; or those who batted against him. They say he was skilful with a developed repertoire. That he was the fastest to get to 200 wickets in 36 Tests lends credence to the views. But not everyone is convinced.
After getting his 200th Test scalp, Ashwin was asked if he had wished India’s previous Test at Port-of-Spain hadn’t been washed out, as he could have equalled the Aussie’s record there. “Maybe, he (Grimmett) was a nicer person,” joked Ashwin.
Ashwin takes pride in his skills despite facing criticism for being a wicket-taker only on pitches at home. His answer blamed nature for denying him the record earlier, and showed the belief in his abilities, comparable with the best.
IN CONTROL
India were always going to end the fourth day on a strong note after they took the lead on Saturday. But Ashwin’s three wickets, one of which got him to 200, placed India on the cusp of victory against New Zealand at the Green Park.
Like in the first innings, he removed Kane Williamson, the foundation on which New Zealand’s batting rests during its passage through choppy waters. Although not as appealing as Saturday’s, the delivery was quick, turned sharply and got him his 200th victim.
Earlier, while New Zealand, already behind by over 200 runs at the start of play, put up an improved show with the ball, the Indians raced to an over 400-run lead by tea thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja before the declaration.
The wicket, despite some key spots that the spinners could exploit, was still playing well and the Kiwis had come in mentally prepared to deal with Jadeja’s straighter ones. But handling Ashwin was going to be the challenge. While the turn created confusion, his accuracy troubled them even more.
Martin Guptill tried to uncork the pressure with a slog sweep. He missed the shot and the ball took an edge to a close-in fielder. Tom Latham planted his foot forward and was out leg before again to Ashwin. Then, Williamson happened. A freak run out of Ross Taylor tilted the balance in India’s favour.
At 93 for four, New Zealand are behind by 340 runs and have to bat out 98 overs. Both seem unlikely.
Asked about the record, Ashwin said, “I try to compete with myself and my next target is to finish this game.”
That might happen in the first half of Monday.