It was his counter-attacking innings that helped India reach a respectable position and Ashwin felt the need of the hour was to go for the shots. “Over the years, in between trying to get technically right, I lost my natural flow. But I have always batted at a good clip and if the ball is there to be hit, I can play some shots. This freedom gave me success in the past and it’s good that I have got this back before the Australia series. (Batting coach) Vikram Rathour helped me in the nets,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin was also all praise for KL Rahul, saying the opener “may have found the formula to succeed in Test cricket”.
“A lot of technical assessment is available and you are constantly made is about how you respond and I feel Rahul has found his way. He always had the raw material and since England he has looked the part,” the offie added.
India got 202, which is more than what they got at the same venue four years ago, when they won the Test. Ashwin, though, felt India are a bit short.
“Totals in South Africa can be tricky and it’s always good to win the toss and bat first. Ideally we should have got 260-270 and we are a few runs short, but we have the bowling to make a match of it,” Ashwin said.
Offie hopes Siraj will be fit
Mohammed Siraj’s hamstring pull was a bit of a worry at the end of the first day, but Ashwin informed that he is being provided ice treatment.
“The medical staff is dealing with it and given Siraj’s history, we hope he will be back on Tuesday,” Ashwin said.
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