I can't really put a wrap around how I feel right now – Ravichandran Ashwin

India ran roughshod over England in exhilarating fashion as Ravichandran Ashwin clinched a fifer on Day 3 to smoothen India’s path for a victory in the 5th Test at Dharamsala. Starting the day with a lead of 255, the Indian batters couldn’t add much as James Anderson placed himself on a historic pedestal with the scalp of Kuldeep Yadav to bring up his 700th Test wicket.

However, the Indian bowlers were bang on their money, spearheaded by Ravichandran Ashwin who claimed five wickets while getting perfect assistance from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav to wrap things up for India and drive home a victory by an innings and 64 runs.

Talking in a post-match interview, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke at length about how the entire series panned out for him. He also underlined the subtle changes in his bowling that reaped him the maximum rewards while underlining the conditions that defined the day’s play.

Ashwin said, “Feeling very happy. I can't really put a wrap around how I feel right now. Lots of well wishes before the 10oth Test. Throughout the series I have gone to different actions, speeds and releases. India is different, each ground has a challenge. I was really happy with the way the ball came out, most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi. In India sometimes the beauty is what's gone by. What went by was on his head (the set up to Pope). I was expecting him to reverse. One good spell I went through this morning. Firstly I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me.”

Shedding some light to his experimentations, Ashwin added, “I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback. Unless I try I will never be able to learn. If I am confident that I can try something I don't hold back. I feel times have rolled along. With the number of footages and video analysis going around, people can easily line you up and study you. Not saying sticking to one method won't work. Thankfully experimenting and learning has helped me. Can't say this is the only way.”

He concluded by talking about the conditions of the day, stating, “Far end I thought there was a bit more bite off the surface and at the other end there was some speed off the surface. With the new ball I got some bounce and kick today. In the first innings when Kuldeep came on from the other side he was able to utilize it. The way the ball is coming out of Kuldeep's hands is unbelievable. Watch a wrist spinner in such flow and the kind of switches he has been able to make through the series and over the last 10 months is so heartening to see. I can't be more happy for somebody.”