London, 14/7 (AO Bureau): Indian team off-spinner R Ashwin, representing Surrey in the English County Championship, has bowled tremendously in the second innings against Somerset. In the second innings of Somerset, Ashwin took six wickets for 27 runs in 15 overs. Somerset’s entire team was all out for just 69 runs. Apart from Ashwin, 22-year-old left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty also took four wickets for 20 runs. Somerset scored 429 runs in the first innings, after which Surrey’s team could only score 240 runs. Now Surrey has a target of 259 runs to win.
Earlier in the first innings, Ashwin failed to impress. He could only get one breakthrough after spending 99 runs in 43 overs. Surrey captain and England opener Rory Burns got him bowling from both ends. During this time Ashwin became the first spinner in the English county to start bowling with the new ball in the last 11 years. Earlier in the year 2010, Jeetan Patel had done this. Ashwin started with the new ball in the second innings as well.
In view of the lack of practice matches with the Indian players who went to England, Ashwin and the BCCI decided to play in this match. Ashwin’s effort is to practice as much bowling as possible without showing his variety. At present, the rest of the Indian players are on a 20-day break. Where he is spending time with his family and friends.
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