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Ashwin terms Mominul’s decision to bat first as bold one
INDORE, Nov 14, 2019 (BSS) – India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin rated Bangladesh’s decision to bat first in Indore’s first day pitch as brave one, saying “it is very commendable on their [Bangladesh’s] part” and they didn’t expect it.
Generally the first day’s Indore pitch favoured the fast bowlers, where they got enough carry to torment batsmen before being easy for batters on day two.
Mominul’s decision to bat first backfired as Bangladesh was reduced to 31-3 in the first hour before Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim put on a 68-run partnership.
Bangladesh however later tasted a sensational batting collapse to loss last five wickets for 10 runs to be bowled out for 150.
“I personally thought it was a very brave decision to bat first having won the toss,” Ashwin who complemented the pacers with 2-43 said after the match.
“We didn’t expect that. We thought they’ll bowl but they batted first which is very commendable on their part. I also thought some of their batsmen batted beautifully in the morning, it’s never easy to come and play on a wicket that’s got a bit of life. It was damp. And I thought Mominul Haque and some of the other batters batted beautifully.”
While Ashwin praised Bangladeshi batsmen and their decision, the batsmen’s discomfort against pacers was well document as to how they tried to keep them safe, rather dealing with it. Their way of batting left the question whether they were scared of Indian pacers.
When asked what India thought about that, Ashwin said, “You are putting me in the spot and asking me questions that I shouldn’t be answering. Look I don’t think any international team is personally scared to come out and play a game. If you are talking about No 10 and 11 moving away from the stumps all that happened with a lot of number 10s and 11s.”
Ashwin at the same time also said that people should not be harsh on Bangladesh, considering the fact that India is vastly experienced side than the Tigers.
“You need to understand the fact that our (India) team are lot more experienced in Test cricket compare to other side,” he said.
“We are almost averaging 40-50 Tests and a lot of players in the other side (Bangladesh) are inexperienced. From my side I think Bangladesh played some good cricket in the morning and eventually all out by persistent bowling from our side. So I will say good cricket is being played. So rather than being harsh on Bangladesh I will look on to the positives that Indian team has achieved in today’s play.”
BSS/SMP/MRU/2050hrs