R Ashwin has revealed that he befriended media personnel to get footage of opposition batters batting in the nets. The bowler used this move during the 2020-2021 Border Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia and reaped results by getting the wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
India spinner R Ashwin, who is all set to play his 100th Test, has disclosed that he occasionally befriends media people to acquire film of how players prepare for a Test. The off-spinner made this move during India’s tour to Australia giving him top results.
Ashwin showed good form with the ball in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 and took 12 wickets in 3 matches. He finished Steve Smith three times and Marnus Labuschagne twice in three matches.
Speaking in an interview, Ashwin stated, “Sometimes I make friends with the media guys and get footage from the backside when the batters are practicing in the nets. When I went to Australia, there were occasions where Marnus and Smith were using their feet and going back in the nets. It really works because I feel human beings are very insecure. The moment they know you have them, you’re winning half the battle. I feel England and Australia batters bat against spin much better than some of our own on occasions because they know this is a very stern challenge, so year across they end up preparing to play spin, like we prepare to play seam and bounce.”
Ashwin will play his 100th Test match in the fifth Test match between India and England. Recently, he entered the 500 Test wicket club and became the 9th overall and the 2nd Indian to achieve the rare feat. In the fourth match, Ashwin took his 35th 5-wicket haul in Tests, beating Anil Kumble’s record for most wickets in home Tests.
