Ashwin last played a match for India in the game’s longest format in February this year, as all sports matches were canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The lead activist said he never imagined he would be playing test cricket amid the coronavirus scare and expressed his happiness at the resumption of international sports action.
“I am very happy that we are playing test cricket again. It has been a long time and I did not imagine that we would be playing test cricket seeing what is happening around us,” Ashwin said during a virtual press conference.
“I was extremely angry about the sport, I worked a lot during the lockdown. So it was refreshing to go out and go bowling, the feeling was great, the pink ball test and everything new about the pink ball.” added.
Ashwin first got the spotlight on day two when he fired in form hitter Steve Smith. The spinner admitted it was “great ground” and relished the chance to bowl after so long.
“It felt amazing to go out and play. I felt like I was making my debut again, so I really enjoyed bowling. Obviously the Smith wicket was a great wicket. The way he bats, so it was an important wicket and what I enjoyed it, “he added.
India eliminated Australia in 191 after the heroics of Umesh Yadav, Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah with the ball. The visitors were 9/1 at the second trial when the umpires ended the game on the second night. The 62-run advantage with nine wickets in the bag could prove crucial as the terrain is not improving to hit.
Mayank Agarwal (5) and night watchman Jasprit Bumrah (0) will be looking to start over after battling Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the closing stages of day two.
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