37-year-old Ashwin will be playing in his 100th Test when India take on England in Dharamsala in the fifth and final match of the series, starting March 7. Incidentally, the match will also mark England batter Jonny Bairstow’s 100th Test match. Ashwin claimed his 500th Test during the third match in Rajkot, become only the second Indian to reach the landmark.
"Reading batters has always been a key part of what Ash does. He is always one step ahead, alert to the smallest cues. He is constantly observing the batter. No detail is too small for his sharp mind. He puts a lot of effort into each delivery," Pujara wrote in ha column for ESPNcricinfo.
"Having just become the second quickest bowler to 500 Test wickets, Ash now deserves another equally significant landmark - of 100 Tests. He's probably a little late getting there for various reasons. But I am really happy for him. He is someone who has always been ready to take the challenge on and do the hard yards for the team. He deserves it the most,” the veteran batter added.
According to Pujara, Ashwin has evolved and survived for a long time despite playing multiple formats because of his innovative mind. “He is not afraid or shy to try out new things, even at the cost of failing in the process,” explained the seasoned cricketer.
Continuing in his praise of Ashwin, the 36-year-old said that the off-spinner’s pursuit for excellence means that the batters always have to be on their toes. He also went on to describe Ashwin as a bowler who is always looking at ways to take wickets and observing every minute details of the batter.
"There's no respite. If you're comfortable batting against him from over the stumps, he will change to round the stumps, from where he is able to create that angle where, if the ball goes straight, there's an edge in play even if you are looking to defend,” Pujara wrote.
"He is constantly observing the batter, his trigger, where the backlift is coming from, which stump he is on. So if a batter is looking to sweep, Ash will go a little fuller and try and block him by bowling the quicker delivery, almost a yorker length, and get an lbw," he elaborated.
Ashwin (37) has claimed 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an average of 23.91, with 35 five-fors and eight 10-wicket match hauls.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
