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No problem and no reason to complain about Nagpur pitch, says Ashwin

Nagpur, Nov 26: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell called the VCA Stadium pitch as 'diabolical' while others had their harsh views after 32 wickets tumbled in 2 days. But Indian off-spinner R Ashwin said he has no reason to complain.

Day 2 ReportDay 2 Report

On Thursday (November 26), a record 20 wickets fell as South Africa ended the day at 32/2 chasing 310. Earlier, India were bowled out for 173 in their 2nd innings. This was after the visitors had been rolled over for just 79. All 10 wickets were taken by the spinners (Ashwin 5, Ravindra Jadeja 4, Amit Mishra 1). (25-year record shattered in Nagpur)

Ashwin bowls during the 2nd day in Nagpur

This was only for the 2nd time in Test cricket that 20 wickets had fallen on a single day in India. The previous time was in 2004 when India played Australia at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Many present and former cricketers joined in to blast the 22-yard strip which was on offer for the 3rd Test between India and South Africa. But Ashwin, who has taken 6 wickets so far (5 in first innings and 1 in the second), said it was left to the batsmen to use their skills and counter spin and bounce.

Speaking to reporters after 2nd day's play, Ashwin defended the wicket by saying, "I did not complain when I played in Johannesburg. I was dropped for a year. I am not going to complain for playing here either. I see no reason to complain. Swing, seam and bounce, match over in 2 days in Trent Bridge (England). I don't know what that is about."

He continued, "What is the problem with spin and bounce? It is good even spin and bounce, isn't it? It is about skills for batsmen to play and counter."

India are in a great position to wrap up the series tomorrow as they need 8 wickets to win. The hosts won the opening Test of the 4-match series in Mohali by 108 runs in 3 days while the 2nd game in Bengaluru ended in a draw after 4 continuous days were washed out. The 4th and final Test is in Delhi from December 3.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:28 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 3, 2017