England series will be closely fought: Ashwin

“India is a good side at this point. In the last two years, we have been exemplary. It will be tough to win for India, but, at the same time, it will be equally tough for England to win as well. It will be an extraordinary series,” he said at an event here to unveil the Dindigul Dragons squad and jersey. According to Ashwin, the fact that India has reached the shores of England much before the start of the highly anticipated Test series augurs well in its preparation. 

“Most of the squad has toured England before so there should be no problem adapting to the conditions. I think playing in the ODIs first will be helpful and even the Test team will arrive there a little early this time. For me, it’s all about making memories. I’m not looking to achieve any personal milestones,” added the 31-year-old. 

The rationale behind Ashwin making such a bold proclamation stems from the vibrant Indian pace battery that had operated with consummate nous during the tour of South Africa earlier this year. 

“We have a good set of fast bowlers who have done exceedingly well on the SA tour. We have the ability to take 20 wickets and fancy our chances. Going in the second half of the English summer, the spinners will definitely come into play as well,” mentioned Ashwin. Having been out of the one-day scheme of things for a while now, and with the World Cup less than a year away, it was inevitable that Ashwin was asked about his prospects of forcing his way back into the ODI team. 

“It entirely depends on what others perceive of my cricket. It’s not in my control. Like any other cricketer, I want to wear the blue jersey and represent India at the World Cup. If I do get a chance, I want to be in a good frame of mind,” shared Ashwin. 

Ashwin said he wasn’t surprised by England’s 5-0 margin of victory over world champion Australia in the recent bilateral series. “England is a strong team in the shorter formats. They tweaked their strategy and team combination after the 2015 World Cup. The key for India in ODIs will be Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah bowling in the death overs.”