I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first: Ashwin

India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin smashed a stunning century in the first innings of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai but didn’t shy away from accepting that he still enjoys his bowling more. The 38-year-old took six wickets in the final innings as India won the game by 280 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Men in Blue were reduced to 144/6 on day one, but that’s when Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja put on 199 runs for the seventh wicket to take India to a formidable total. Ashwin scored 113 off 133 deliveries, slamming 11 fours and two maximums. This was his sixth century in Test cricket.

Also read - Ashwin becomes oldest Indian to pick up a 5-wicket haul in Tests

Bangladesh were bowled out for just 149 in their first innings, but Ashwin didn’t take a single wicket in 13 overs. The off-spinner, however, made his presence felt in the final innings. He dismissed Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed to complete his 37th five-wicket haul.  

“It was an opportunity to fight, dig in deep. I've seen so many teammates do it in the past. Was a special innings, didn't sink in till day two. I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first. Batting is something that comes naturally. Over the last few years, I have tried to compartmentalise,” said Ashwin after being named the Player of the Match.

This was the fourth time Ashwin scored a century and took a five-wicket haul in the same Test. England’s former all-rounder Ian Botham has done it on five occasions. For Ashwin to do this in front of his family and friends in Chennai for the second time made it even more special.

“No, I don't keep track of the Player of the Match awards. Every time I play in Chennai, it's an amazing feeling. I've watched a lot of Tests, international cricket in those stands, to do it in front of those renovated stands is great,” concluded Ashwin.

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