Anil Kumble helps R Ashwin not to get 'troubled', take 7 wickets

North Sound (Antigua), July 25: After going wicketless in the first innings, Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 7 to power India to an innings and 92-run victory over West Indies in the 1st Test. And the secret behind his success is the help he received from head coach Anil Kumble.

Day 4 report

On Sunday (July 24), at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, India took a 1-0 lead in the four-Test rubber against the Caribbean side. India registered their biggest victory outside of Asia. The previous best was, an innings and 90-run success against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2005. (Ashwin praises Kumble)

Ashwin failed to get any batsman out in the first innings after bowling 17 overs (0/43). But in the second essay, he was the star with the ball, taking 7/83 in 25 overs. (Ashwin thanks Kumble, Kohli)

Stating that having Kumble as the coach was the "biggest advantage", Ashwin said his guidance helped him perform better in the second innings, on the 4th day of the Test.

"That is the biggest advantage of having Anil bhai in the dressing room. In the first innings, I went wicketless for about 25-25 overs that I bowled in the match. In the past, that would have definitely troubled me as I am a bowler who likes to keep getting wickets. I kept speaking to him about what I was doing right and what I wasn't," Ashwin told Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) website after the match.

"Obviously, he felt that my body was not going through as it was a little tired. He also told me to slow down a little at the crease. He gave me different ideas about what lines I can bowl to batsmen. It is about the knack of getting wickets and it is a good that we shared today," he added.

Ashwin won the Man-of-the-match award for his 113 and 7 scalps. The second Test starts in Jamaica on July 30.

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