Punjab&nbsp;captain R Ashwin maintained that the reason for not finishing in the top-four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the inability to perform in the powerplays throughout the tournament.

"One of the areas we have definitely lacked is the powerplay, both with the ball and the bat -- in hindsight if we look at it. Because last year we had a great powerplay batting with Chris (Gayle) and KL (Rahul) but this year we could not get off to great starts obviously because the pressure was on them and they had to do a job. But we have to address this going into the next year because we have lost most games on powerplay battles," Ashwin told media.

After facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-kolkata-defeat-punjab-by-seven-wickets-215766">an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Kolkata</a> on Friday, Ashwin said the absence of Varun Chakravarthy and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who suffered a finger and shoulder injury, respectively; forced Punjab&nbsp;to look beyond their set plans.

"We have not been up to the ball-mark this year. We had a few challenges going into this year from last year, we had a few options, we picked up a few people (at the auction) and they have got injured. So that is not ideally how we had liked to look at it. We definitely put our best team we could in the park and we have tried our best and there have been a lot of positives that have come out of this season," he added.

The off-spinner said that Punjab&nbsp;were banking on Australia pacer Andrew Tye, the Purple-cap winner in 2018, to come in the destructive form in the ongoing edition.

However, Tye returned with just three wickets in his five outings at an economy of more than 10.

"AJ (Tye) had a fantastic IPL last year but it is also about batsmen coming after him in different methods. He has definitely tried hard. It is not lack of efforts that he has not been very good this year. But I am sure he will definitely get better as a cricketer, he is quite a smart cricketer, and he tries to give everything on the field. These sorts of phases are quite common in a cricket career but I am sure he will learn from this," Ashwin&nbsp;said.

Punjab captain R Ashwin maintained that the reason for not finishing in the top-four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the inability to perform in the powerplays throughout the tournament.

Punjab captain R Ashwin maintained that the reason for not finishing in the top-four of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the inability to perform in the powerplays throughout the tournament. "One of the areas we have definitely lacked is the powerplay, both with the ball and the bat -- in hindsight if we look at it. Because last year we had a great powerplay batting with Chris (Gayle) and KL (Rahul) but this year we could not get off to great starts obviously because the pressure was on them and they had to do a job. But we have to address this going into the next year because we have lost most games on powerplay battles," Ashwin told media. After facing an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Kolkata on Friday, Ashwin said the absence of Varun Chakravarthy and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who suffered a finger and shoulder injury, respectively; forced Punjab to look beyond their set plans. "We have not been up to the ball-mark this year. We had a few challenges going into this year from last year, we had a few options, we picked up a few people (at the auction) and they have got injured. So that is not ideally how we had liked to look at it. We definitely put our best team we could in the park and we have tried our best and there have been a lot of positives that have come out of this season," he added. The off-spinner said that Punjab were banking on Australia pacer Andrew Tye, the Purple-cap winner in 2018, to come in the destructive form in the ongoing edition. However, Tye returned with just three wickets in his five outings at an economy of more than 10. "AJ (Tye) had a fantastic IPL last year but it is also about batsmen coming after him in different methods. He has definitely tried hard. It is not lack of efforts that he has not been very good this year. But I am sure he will definitely get better as a cricketer, he is quite a smart cricketer, and he tries to give everything on the field. These sorts of phases are quite common in a cricket career but I am sure he will learn from this," Ashwin said.

Inability to perform in powerplays knocked Punjab out, says captain R Ashwin

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined for maintaining slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League match against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-delhi-vanquish-punjab-by-five-wickets-212180">Shreyas Iyer-led&nbsp;Delhi</a> on Saturday.&nbsp;

Ashwin has been fined INR 12 lakh and became the fourth&nbsp;captain to be fined for slow over-rate in&nbsp;IPL 2019 after Mumbai's Rohit Sharma, Bangalore's Virat Kohli and Rajasthan's former skipper Ajinkya Rahane.&nbsp;

The official website of IPL stated, "As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Ashwin was fined Rs 12 lakh."

In the match,&nbsp;Delhi defeated Punjab by five wickets in the ongoing Indian Premier League on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 164, Delhi openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw, provided their side a steady start but because of lack of coordination Shaw gave away his wicket when he got run out in the fourth over.

Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer then came out to bat and both the on-field batters smashed some scintillating shots and formed a 92-run partnership before Dhawan gave a simple catch to R Ashwin off Hardus Viljoen's delivery and brought his 56-run inning to an end.

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined for maintaining slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League match against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi on Saturday.

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined for maintaining slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League match against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi on Saturday. Ashwin has been fined INR 12 lakh and became the fourth captain to be fined for slow over-rate in IPL 2019 after Mumbai's Rohit Sharma, Bangalore's Virat Kohli and Rajasthan's former skipper Ajinkya Rahane. The official website of IPL stated, "As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Ashwin was fined Rs 12 lakh." In the match, Delhi defeated Punjab by five wickets in the ongoing Indian Premier League on Saturday. Chasing a target of 164, Delhi openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw, provided their side a steady start but because of lack of coordination Shaw gave away his wicket when he got run out in the fourth over. Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer then came out to bat and both the on-field batters smashed some scintillating shots and formed a 92-run partnership before Dhawan gave a simple catch to R Ashwin off Hardus Viljoen's delivery and brought his 56-run inning to an end.

Ravichandran Ashwin fined for Punjab's slow over-rate

IPL 2019: Ashwin-led Punjab face Ajinkya Rahane's challenge in Match 32

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly.&nbsp;

Both the teams are high on confidence as coming off wins against Hyderabad in their respective previous matches.&nbsp;

When we see their head-to-head clashes in IPL, they have played 23 matches and Mumbai have won 12 and Punjab won 11.&nbsp;

At the Wankhede Stadium, they have played eight matches and both the teams have won equal wins.&nbsp;

Mumbai team is blessed with splendid batting firepower in the end overs from West Indian Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya and Punjab but have a problem at the top. The top order, comprising Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, is capable of hitting runs but they failed to leave an impact so far.&nbsp;

Mumbai don't even have anyone in the top-20 run-scorers' list this season, an indication of the depth in their batting, and have a superior fast bowling attack bolstered by the inclusion of West Indian pacer, Alzarri Joseph, who blew away Hyderabad with his record-breaking haul of 6/12 in their previous game. &nbsp;

The hosts have a formidable pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah and left-arm Jason Behrendorff also there, along with Joseph and Hardik, to utilise the bounce and carry on the Wankhede track.&nbsp;

Punjab, third on the table with eight points, have been top heavy in batting with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal leading the way with 200-plus aggregates and the indomitable Gayle too not far behind.&nbsp;

In bowling, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (7 wickets) has done well in five out of six games that the team has played and has got good support from the likes of Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin.&nbsp;

Watch the preview:

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Teams:

Mumbai: Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Alzarri Joseph, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Ankul Roy, Evin Lewis, Pankaj Jaiswal, Ben Cutting, Ishan Kishan (wk), Aditya Tare, Rasikh Salam, Barinder Sran, Jayant Yadav.

Punjab: Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Karun Nair, Moises Henriques, Varun Chakravarthi, Harpreet Brar, Simran Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Ankit Rajpoot, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Agnivesh Ayachi.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of Indian Premier League 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of Indian Premier League 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly. Both the teams are high on confidence as coming off wins against Hyderabad in their respective previous matches. When we see their head-to-head clashes in IPL, they have played 23 matches and Mumbai have won 12 and Punjab won 11. At the Wankhede Stadium, they have played eight matches and both the teams have won equal wins. Mumbai team is blessed with splendid batting firepower in the end overs from West Indian Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya and Punjab but have a problem at the top. The top order, comprising Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, is capable of hitting runs but they failed to leave an impact so far. Mumbai don't even have anyone in the top-20 run-scorers' list this season, an indication of the depth in their batting, and have a superior fast bowling attack bolstered by the inclusion of West Indian pacer, Alzarri Joseph, who blew away Hyderabad with his record-breaking haul of 6/12 in their previous game. The hosts have a formidable pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah and left-arm Jason Behrendorff also there, along with Joseph and Hardik, to utilise the bounce and carry on the Wankhede track. Punjab, third on the table with eight points, have been top heavy in batting with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal leading the way with 200-plus aggregates and the indomitable Gayle too not far behind. In bowling, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (7 wickets) has done well in five out of six games that the team has played and has got good support from the likes of Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin. Watch the preview: × Teams: Mumbai: Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Alzarri Joseph, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Ankul Roy, Evin Lewis, Pankaj Jaiswal, Ben Cutting, Ishan Kishan (wk), Aditya Tare, Rasikh Salam, Barinder Sran, Jayant Yadav. Punjab: Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Karun Nair, Moises Henriques, Varun Chakravarthi, Harpreet Brar, Simran Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Ankit Rajpoot, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Agnivesh Ayachi.

Preview and head-to-head: Mumbai take on Punjab in first return fixture of IPL 2019

12 years, 12 controversies: IPL has seen it all

Exclusive: Buttler opens up on Mankad controversy

England batsman Jos Buttler, who was recently 'Mankaded' by India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in an IPL encounter, wants the authorities to address the "wishy-washy" areas in the law dealing with the controversial dismissal.

Buttler's dismissal during a match between Rajasthan and Punjab triggered a debate with the cricket world divided and the custodians of the game MCC doing a flip-flop.

The MCC, at the onset, said Ashwin did the correct thing only to change its statement next day with one of its representatives stating that "the pause was just too long and therefore not within the spirit of cricket."

"Of course a Mankading has to be in the Laws of the game because a batsman can't just run halfway down the pitch trying to get a headstart," Buttler told 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"But I do think, the way the law is written, there is a bit of a grey area in that saying 'when a bowler is expected to release the ball'. That is a bit of a wishy-washy statement," the England opener said.

Buttler felt that the decision made by the on-field umpires was wrong.

"If you look at the footage, probably the wrong decision was made because at the time he was expected to release the ball I was in my crease," Buttler said.

"At the time I was really disappointed with it. I didn't like the style of it. I just thought it was a bad precedent at the start of the tournament. For the tournament itself. It was a really disappointing way to start the tournament," he said.

Buttler agreed that it wasn't a pleasant incident.

"So, I didn't like what happened and I didn't agree with it, but what can you do? After a day or so I was pretty relaxed about it and I'll make sure it never happens again. It won't happen again."

He admitted that the incident made him "more conscious" but that was in a negative sense as it affected his game.

"What was more disappointing is that suddenly, over the next two games, I found myself being really conscious of it and it is quite distracting," he said. "It is so rare that you're not normally thinking about it. I must be the only person to get out twice in that way.

"It distracted me for the next couple of games which is why it was nice to get some runs in the win and get back to thinking about batting and not worrying about how I back up at the non-striker's end."

Buttler had once been "Mankaded" in an international match against Sri Lanka and he claims to be a "walker" but would always like the umpire to make a decision.

"I do generally walk. That is something else where the spirit of cricket is involved. Is it in the spirit of cricket to not walk? Most people's take is that the umpire's there to make a decision and that is how it should be.

"I'd hope, whether it was a written thing or not, that players - as custodians of the game, role models to young kids and professional people - would carry themselves in a certain way."

England batsman Jos Buttler, who was recently 'Mankaded' by India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in an IPL encounter, wants the authorities to address the "wishy-washy" areas in the law dealing with the controversial dismissal.

England batsman Jos Buttler, who was recently 'Mankaded' by India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in an IPL encounter, wants the authorities to address the "wishy-washy" areas in the law dealing with the controversial dismissal. Buttler's dismissal during a match between Rajasthan and Punjab triggered a debate with the cricket world divided and the custodians of the game MCC doing a flip-flop. The MCC, at the onset, said Ashwin did the correct thing only to change its statement next day with one of its representatives stating that "the pause was just too long and therefore not within the spirit of cricket." "Of course a Mankading has to be in the Laws of the game because a batsman can't just run halfway down the pitch trying to get a headstart," Buttler told 'ESPNcricinfo'. "But I do think, the way the law is written, there is a bit of a grey area in that saying 'when a bowler is expected to release the ball'. That is a bit of a wishy-washy statement," the England opener said. Buttler felt that the decision made by the on-field umpires was wrong. "If you look at the footage, probably the wrong decision was made because at the time he was expected to release the ball I was in my crease," Buttler said. "At the time I was really disappointed with it. I didn't like the style of it. I just thought it was a bad precedent at the start of the tournament. For the tournament itself. It was a really disappointing way to start the tournament," he said. Buttler agreed that it wasn't a pleasant incident. "So, I didn't like what happened and I didn't agree with it, but what can you do? After a day or so I was pretty relaxed about it and I'll make sure it never happens again. It won't happen again." He admitted that the incident made him "more conscious" but that was in a negative sense as it affected his game. "What was more disappointing is that suddenly, over the next two games, I found myself being really conscious of it and it is quite distracting," he said. "It is so rare that you're not normally thinking about it. I must be the only person to get out twice in that way. "It distracted me for the next couple of games which is why it was nice to get some runs in the win and get back to thinking about batting and not worrying about how I back up at the non-striker's end." Buttler had once been "Mankaded" in an international match against Sri Lanka and he claims to be a "walker" but would always like the umpire to make a decision. "I do generally walk. That is something else where the spirit of cricket is involved. Is it in the spirit of cricket to not walk? Most people's take is that the umpire's there to make a decision and that is how it should be. "I'd hope, whether it was a written thing or not, that players - as custodians of the game, role models to young kids and professional people - would carry themselves in a certain way."

Wishy-washy areas in Mankading law need to be addressed: Jos Buttler

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/curran-shami-pull-off-an-incredible-win-for-punjab-against-delhi-207303">fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab</a> in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday.&nbsp;

Shreyas said that his team&nbsp;simply "panicked" and "miscalculated" the target that caused the avoidable loss at Punjab's home turf.&nbsp;

At a point,&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;were&nbsp;going strong at 144 for 3 in the 17th over, chasing 167 but Sam Curran's hat-trick saw the visitors&nbsp;being&nbsp;bowled out for 152 in 19.2 overs.&nbsp;

During the post-match presentation,&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer said, "I am really speechless. It is a crucial match and losing such matches is not going to benefit us."

"Really disappointing. With the way we were going, we came to run-a-ball and to lose from there. We didn't play smart cricket and Punjab outplayed us in all the departments.&nbsp;

"We miscalculated the target. I think It was just&nbsp;a panic&nbsp;in between. They got two wickets in succession, (Chris) Morris and (Rishabh) Pant and there we lost the match. Our batsmen did not taking initiative to win the game," the skipper said.&nbsp;

Delhi visited Punjab to with high confidence after defeating Kolkata in a Super Over in their previous match.&nbsp;

"I couldn't figure it out what happened today. It happened in the previous match as well, we were going really good and suddenly ball-to-ball....&nbsp;These are key factors we have to work on," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our batting has been really dominant right from the start but we need to learn from&nbsp;this small&nbsp;things."&nbsp;

Iyer was also critical of their bowling.&nbsp;

"Also we didn't bowl that great to be honest, we got a bad start but we controlled in between and that is something we need to take forward," the Delhi skipper said.&nbsp;

"Looking at the quality we have, I think we shouldn't be losing such matches."&nbsp;

Iyer said Delhi will have enough time to work on their shortcoming since it happened early in the tournament.&nbsp;

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday.

Delhi's captain Shreyas Iyer was left speechless after his side's fourteen-run loss to Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab in an Indian Premier League fixture on Monday. Shreyas said that his team simply "panicked" and "miscalculated" the target that caused the avoidable loss at Punjab's home turf. At a point, Delhi were going strong at 144 for 3 in the 17th over, chasing 167 but Sam Curran's hat-trick saw the visitors being bowled out for 152 in 19.2 overs. During the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer said, "I am really speechless. It is a crucial match and losing such matches is not going to benefit us." "Really disappointing. With the way we were going, we came to run-a-ball and to lose from there. We didn't play smart cricket and Punjab outplayed us in all the departments. "We miscalculated the target. I think It was just a panic in between. They got two wickets in succession, (Chris) Morris and (Rishabh) Pant and there we lost the match. Our batsmen did not taking initiative to win the game," the skipper said. Delhi visited Punjab to with high confidence after defeating Kolkata in a Super Over in their previous match. "I couldn't figure it out what happened today. It happened in the previous match as well, we were going really good and suddenly ball-to-ball.... These are key factors we have to work on," he said. "Our batting has been really dominant right from the start but we need to learn from this small things." Iyer was also critical of their bowling. "Also we didn't bowl that great to be honest, we got a bad start but we controlled in between and that is something we need to take forward," the Delhi skipper said. "Looking at the quality we have, I think we shouldn't be losing such matches." Iyer said Delhi will have enough time to work on their shortcoming since it happened early in the tournament.

I am speechless, we panicked and miscalculated: Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer

England's seamer James Anderson has the most bizarre reaction to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whos-saying-what-on-ravichandran-ashwins-mankading-controversy-205809">Ravichandran Ashwin's recent&nbsp;'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler</a> in an Indian Premier League match.&nbsp;

Punjab's skipper Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning.&nbsp;

Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points in their first game of IPL 2019.&nbsp;

The incident was legal but it triggered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-in-spirit-of-game-mccs-take-on-ravichandran-ashwins-mankad-on-jos-buttler-206201">spirit of game debate</a> across cricket fraternity.&nbsp;

Especially, Buttler's teammates of national team reacted strongly after the incident, like England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at Ashwin. He said that the Indian cricketer has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers.&nbsp;

Now, England's legendary pacer Anderson was found shredding Ashwin's picture in a viral video on Twitter.&nbsp;

His reaction was found funny by some while others were expectedly outraged at 'disrespect' of the Indian off-spinner.

Watch the video:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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James Anderson's reply to 'cheat' Ashwin 😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmy9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SriniMaama16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SriniMaama16</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/azkhawaja1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@azkhawaja1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaleSteyn62</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisTremlett33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisTremlett33</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> <a href="https://t.co/x25xTXsrYu">pic.twitter.com/x25xTXsrYu</a>
— Meet In The Stands (@MeetInTheStands) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeetInTheStands/status/1112709315184467969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After&nbsp;reviewing footage of the incident, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) said not "within the spirit of the game".&nbsp;

The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted.&nbsp;

"Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph.

England's seamer James Anderson has the most bizarre reaction to Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in an Indian Premier League match.

England's seamer James Anderson has the most bizarre reaction to Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in an Indian Premier League match. Punjab's skipper Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points in their first game of IPL 2019. The incident was legal but it triggered the spirit of game debate across cricket fraternity. Especially, Buttler's teammates of national team reacted strongly after the incident, like England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at Ashwin. He said that the Indian cricketer has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers. Now, England's legendary pacer Anderson was found shredding Ashwin's picture in a viral video on Twitter. His reaction was found funny by some while others were expectedly outraged at 'disrespect' of the Indian off-spinner. Watch the video: James Anderson's reply to 'cheat' Ashwin 😂 @jimmy9 @ashwinravi99 @SriniMaama16 @azkhawaja1 @DaleSteyn62 @Eoin16 @ChrisTremlett33 @ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/x25xTXsrYu — Meet In The Stands (@MeetInTheStands) April 1, 2019 × After reviewing footage of the incident, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) said not "within the spirit of the game". The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted. "Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph.

Watch: James Anderson shreds Ashwin's photo as his reaction to 'Mankading' incident

IPL 2019: What to expect when Ashwin-led Punjab take on Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi at IS Bindra Stadium?

IPL 2019, Punjab vs Mumbai: Key players to watch out for

Ravichandran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler</a> in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident.&nbsp;

The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted.&nbsp;

"Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph.&nbsp;

Punjab captain Ashwin sparked a chorus of disapproval from fellow players and pundits after running out Buttler when the Rajasthan Royals batsman was backing up at the non-striker's end instead of completing his delivery.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ashwins-mankading-controversy-if-it-is-legally-correct-then-it-should-be-in-the-spirit-of-the-game-206051">Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game</a>

The dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia's Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, is permitted under cricket's laws but viewed by some as going against the spirit of the game.

The MCC changed its stance because Ashwin paused after his delivery stride and waited for Buttler to leave the crease before whipping the bails off.&nbsp;

"We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered," Stewart added.&nbsp;

"When Buttler could have reasonably expected the ball to be delivered, he was in his ground. We now think at the key moment Buttler was in his ground.

"Buttler, it's fair to say, did not make a concerted effort to get back into his crease after Ashwin had delayed his delivery, and didn't help himself in that respect."

Stewart said non-strikers should stop trying to gain an advantage by backing up before the ball was bowled.

"It's also unfair and against the spirit of cricket for non-strikers to leave their ground too early," he added. "All these debates wouldn't be necessary if non-strikers remained in their ground until the ball is on its way down the pitch."

Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident.

Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident. The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted. "Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph. Punjab captain Ashwin sparked a chorus of disapproval from fellow players and pundits after running out Buttler when the Rajasthan Royals batsman was backing up at the non-striker's end instead of completing his delivery. Also Read: Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game The dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia's Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, is permitted under cricket's laws but viewed by some as going against the spirit of the game. The MCC changed its stance because Ashwin paused after his delivery stride and waited for Buttler to leave the crease before whipping the bails off. "We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered," Stewart added. "When Buttler could have reasonably expected the ball to be delivered, he was in his ground. We now think at the key moment Buttler was in his ground. "Buttler, it's fair to say, did not make a concerted effort to get back into his crease after Ashwin had delayed his delivery, and didn't help himself in that respect." Stewart said non-strikers should stop trying to gain an advantage by backing up before the ball was bowled. "It's also unfair and against the spirit of cricket for non-strikers to leave their ground too early," he added. "All these debates wouldn't be necessary if non-strikers remained in their ground until the ball is on its way down the pitch."

'Not in spirit of game': MCC's take on Ravichandran Ashwin's 'Mankad' on Jos Buttler

The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players.&nbsp;

When it comes to cricket, Indians let their emotions rule their decisions just like after they blasted Ravichandran Ashwin's 'mankading' of Jos Buttler.&nbsp;

The incident happened in an IPL match between Punjab and Rajasthan when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning.&nbsp;

Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points. The stature of a team is analysed on the basis of winning or losing, especially in IPL.&nbsp;

Ashwin saw an opportunity and used it. He does not have to explain why he ran out the Englishman.&nbsp;

Though he said, "On my part, it was very instinctive and it wasn't planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game."&nbsp;

And he is right, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws, had made subtle changes to the rules in 2017 on running out of non-strikers by bowlers in their run-up.&nbsp;

The law gives the bowler the right to run out the non-striker when he is about to deliver the ball.&nbsp;

The rule clearly states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out."&nbsp;

If it is legally correct and the decision was made by the third umpire then it is in the spirit of game and debate should have ended on the ground itself.&nbsp;

The third umpire had the authority to declare the ball dead but he did not because Ashwin's call was legal. &nbsp;

Imagine what will happen if a wicket-keeper starts giving warnings to the batsmen for being out of the crease just to uphold the spirit of the game.&nbsp;

No, that's not possible and will never happen.&nbsp;

Ashwin has earned his reputation for contribution to Indian national team and he will be remembered for that.&nbsp;

The cricket fraternity is, however, divided on the 'mankading' incident. Spin legend Shane Warne even labelled it as "disgraceful" and against the spirit of the game.&nbsp;

The spectators need to understand that the spirit of the game is compromised over cheating, humiliating sledging, match-fixing, physical assault, etc. not because of playing the game according to the law mandating by the ICC.&nbsp;

And when it comes to the spirit of the game, Warne must remember the number of times the Aussies have crossed the red line.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players.

The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players. When it comes to cricket, Indians let their emotions rule their decisions just like after they blasted Ravichandran Ashwin's 'mankading' of Jos Buttler. The incident happened in an IPL match between Punjab and Rajasthan when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points. The stature of a team is analysed on the basis of winning or losing, especially in IPL. Ashwin saw an opportunity and used it. He does not have to explain why he ran out the Englishman. Though he said, "On my part, it was very instinctive and it wasn't planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game." And he is right, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws, had made subtle changes to the rules in 2017 on running out of non-strikers by bowlers in their run-up. The law gives the bowler the right to run out the non-striker when he is about to deliver the ball. The rule clearly states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out." If it is legally correct and the decision was made by the third umpire then it is in the spirit of game and debate should have ended on the ground itself. The third umpire had the authority to declare the ball dead but he did not because Ashwin's call was legal. Imagine what will happen if a wicket-keeper starts giving warnings to the batsmen for being out of the crease just to uphold the spirit of the game. No, that's not possible and will never happen. Ashwin has earned his reputation for contribution to Indian national team and he will be remembered for that. The cricket fraternity is, however, divided on the 'mankading' incident. Spin legend Shane Warne even labelled it as "disgraceful" and against the spirit of the game. The spectators need to understand that the spirit of the game is compromised over cheating, humiliating sledging, match-fixing, physical assault, etc. not because of playing the game according to the law mandating by the ICC. And when it comes to the spirit of the game, Warne must remember the number of times the Aussies have crossed the red line. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;

Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan.&nbsp;

While the Punjab-Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;

Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate.&nbsp;

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Punjab's biggest star Chris Gayle scored a 47-ball 79 and his Jamaican rivalry with fellow mate Andre Russell, who also looked in blistering touch for Kolkata, will be one of the sub plots of the clash here.&nbsp;

A typical slow starter, Gayle was 14 off 18 balls but the opener hit top gear in the 12th over hammering Jaydev Unadkat for four successive boundaries. &nbsp;

A former Kolkata player, Gayle knows Eden Gardens like the back of his hand as he would look to continue his assault on the spin-oriented Kolkata attack.&nbsp;

Russell will be Kolkata's answer to Gayle as the KKR star also fashioned a sensational win, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 19 balls in their opening fixture against Hyderabad here two days ago.&nbsp;

The win saw their star spinner and explosive opener, Sunil Narine, hurt his finger and Kolkata would hope he is fit in time.&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the Indian Premier League. Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan.

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the Indian Premier League. Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan. While the Punjab-Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate. × Punjab's biggest star Chris Gayle scored a 47-ball 79 and his Jamaican rivalry with fellow mate Andre Russell, who also looked in blistering touch for Kolkata, will be one of the sub plots of the clash here. A typical slow starter, Gayle was 14 off 18 balls but the opener hit top gear in the 12th over hammering Jaydev Unadkat for four successive boundaries. A former Kolkata player, Gayle knows Eden Gardens like the back of his hand as he would look to continue his assault on the spin-oriented Kolkata attack. Russell will be Kolkata's answer to Gayle as the KKR star also fashioned a sensational win, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 19 balls in their opening fixture against Hyderabad here two days ago. The win saw their star spinner and explosive opener, Sunil Narine, hurt his finger and Kolkata would hope he is fit in time.

IPL 2019: Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab to face Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Eden Gardens

The Indian Premier League match&nbsp;between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler</a>, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;

Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ashwin received support from former Australian players Mitchell Johnson and Dean Jones.&nbsp;

Johnson wrote on Twitter, "My thoughts on the Mankad. Its not cheating, it's not against the spirit as it's in the rules you can do it. Personally I would warn someone if I was to do it but the batsman should also play fair by staying behind the crease. It's a bit like the underarm serve in tennis right??"

While Jones said, "Don't blame Ashwin here. As it's allowed in the Laws of the game.. How is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it's allowed within the Laws of game? Blame the administrators for making the Law."

The opinion interpreted the laws differently and flooded into Twitter, with many players, ex-pros and commentators offering their views on the controversial run out. &nbsp;

Spin legend Shane Warne and England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at the Ashwin. &nbsp;

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So disappointed in <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> as a Captain &amp; as a person. All captains sign the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> wall &amp; agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1110256662760300547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Morgan, however, believes Ashwin has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers.&nbsp;

"I can't believe what I'm seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that," said Morgan.&nbsp;

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Buttler should have been at least warned.&nbsp;

"If @josbuttler had been warned well that's fine ... If he hasn't and it's the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order ... Watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL," he wrote.&nbsp;

England batman Jason Roy too expressed shock at Ashwin's action. "Ashwin, that's shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that," he wrote in his twitter handle.&nbsp;

South African pacer Dale Steyn was also critical of Ashwin.&nbsp;

"He ain't winning any spirit of cricket awards is old Ashwin," he wrote.&nbsp;

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He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1110230586306777089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris felt the TV umpire didn't take a right call after the incident.&nbsp;

"My opinion on the Buttler/Ashwin controversy is that its NOT Buttlers fault and its NOT Ashwins fault either Ashwin is entitled to appeal. I thought the TV umpire made the incorrect decision Should've been dead ball..... Play on," he tweeted.&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League match between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.

The Indian Premier League match between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate. Ashwin received support from former Australian players Mitchell Johnson and Dean Jones. Johnson wrote on Twitter, "My thoughts on the Mankad. Its not cheating, it's not against the spirit as it's in the rules you can do it. Personally I would warn someone if I was to do it but the batsman should also play fair by staying behind the crease. It's a bit like the underarm serve in tennis right??" While Jones said, "Don't blame Ashwin here. As it's allowed in the Laws of the game.. How is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it's allowed within the Laws of game? Blame the administrators for making the Law." The opinion interpreted the laws differently and flooded into Twitter, with many players, ex-pros and commentators offering their views on the controversial run out. Spin legend Shane Warne and England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at the Ashwin. So disappointed in @ashwinravi99 as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the #IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the #IPL — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019 × Morgan, however, believes Ashwin has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers. "I can't believe what I'm seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that," said Morgan. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Buttler should have been at least warned. "If @josbuttler had been warned well that's fine ... If he hasn't and it's the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order ... Watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL," he wrote. England batman Jason Roy too expressed shock at Ashwin's action. "Ashwin, that's shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that," he wrote in his twitter handle. South African pacer Dale Steyn was also critical of Ashwin. "He ain't winning any spirit of cricket awards is old Ashwin," he wrote. He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin — Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019 × Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris felt the TV umpire didn't take a right call after the incident. "My opinion on the Buttler/Ashwin controversy is that its NOT Buttlers fault and its NOT Ashwins fault either Ashwin is entitled to appeal. I thought the TV umpire made the incorrect decision Should've been dead ball..... Play on," he tweeted.

Who's saying what on Ravichandran Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.&nbsp;

Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at."&nbsp;

The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19&nbsp;to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared.&nbsp;

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I would also like to request you <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1110086097147592704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19.&nbsp;

Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. &nbsp;

Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali.&nbsp;

In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at. Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at." The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared. I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏 — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 25, 2019 × While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19. Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali. In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.

Here is Ravichandran Ashwin's request to PM Narendra Modi ahead of general elections

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan&nbsp;clash with Punjab tomorrow.

"We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin.

Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball.

Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated.

"I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said.

When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong.

"Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said.&nbsp;

Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team.&nbsp;

"The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian. The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan clash with Punjab tomorrow. "We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin. Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball. Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated. "I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said. When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong. "Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said. Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team. "The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith is a quality player but no comeback is easy: Punjab skipper R Ashwin

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday.

The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth.

If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.

Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth.

First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

"It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test."

Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket.

In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped.

"We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine.

Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc

India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG)

TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday. The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth. If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia. Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth. First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja. "It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test." Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket. In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped. "We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine. Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Ind vs Aus, 4th Test: India win toss, bat in fourth Australia Test

India suffered a big setback on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-kept-on-bowling-in-right-areas-cheteshwar-pujara-163010"> eve of the second Test against</a> Australia when ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and experienced batsman Rohit Sharma were ruled out on Thursday.

Also missing, as expected, will be young opener Prithvi Shaw, who was not considered for the opening Test in Adelaide after suffering ligament damage in a warm-up match.

"Ravi Ashwin has a left-sided abdominal strain. He is receiving treatment at the moment. He has been ruled out of the second Test," India's governing body, the BCCI, said.

"Rohit Sharma jarred his lower back while fielding in the first Test at Adelaide. He is undergoing treatment, he too is ruled out of the second Test."

The BCCI added that Shaw was "recovering well" but still undergoing treatment.&nbsp;

Ashwin took six wickets in the first Test, which India won by 31 runs, while Sharma hit 37 and one.

India named a 13-man team for the Test starting Friday, which is set to be played on a fast and bouncy Perth stadium wicket.

All-rounder Hanuma Vihari, who can bowl off-spin, was included, as was Ravindra Jadeja who has taken 185 Test wickets with his left-arm spin and also averages 32.44 with the bat in 39 appearances for India.&nbsp;

India: 

Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav 
&nbsp;

India suffered a big setback on the eve of the second Test against Australia when ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and experienced batsman Rohit Sharma were ruled out on Thursday.

India suffered a big setback on the eve of the second Test against Australia when ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and experienced batsman Rohit Sharma were ruled out on Thursday. Also missing, as expected, will be young opener Prithvi Shaw, who was not considered for the opening Test in Adelaide after suffering ligament damage in a warm-up match. "Ravi Ashwin has a left-sided abdominal strain. He is receiving treatment at the moment. He has been ruled out of the second Test," India's governing body, the BCCI, said. "Rohit Sharma jarred his lower back while fielding in the first Test at Adelaide. He is undergoing treatment, he too is ruled out of the second Test." The BCCI added that Shaw was "recovering well" but still undergoing treatment. Ashwin took six wickets in the first Test, which India won by 31 runs, while Sharma hit 37 and one. India named a 13-man team for the Test starting Friday, which is set to be played on a fast and bouncy Perth stadium wicket. All-rounder Hanuma Vihari, who can bowl off-spin, was included, as was Ravindra Jadeja who has taken 185 Test wickets with his left-arm spin and also averages 32.44 with the bat in 39 appearances for India. India: Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav

India rules out Ashwin, Rohit Sharma in second Test against Australia

Travis Head matched his highest Test score but missed out on a century as Australia moved to within 15 runs of India after the first innings, leaving the opening Test in Adelaide on a knife-edge Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Batting on his home ground, Head made 72 before nicking a Mohammed Shami delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after adding 11 to his overnight 61.

It signalled a quick end to the Australian innings, with the last wicket rapidly following and lunch called as rain came down before India's batsmen could get to the crease.

Australia made 235, in reply to India's 250. They started the day at 191-7.

After two days of stifling hot conditions, a change rolled in Saturday and play began <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rains-halts-play-in-australia-india-1st-test-on-third-day-182336">45 minutes late in gloomy conditions</a>, with the ground's lights on.

It only lasted 3.4 overs before the drizzle began again and the umpires called the players off after Mitchell Starc was caught behind by Pant, getting a thin edge to a Jasprit Bumrah delivery.

He added seven runs to his overnight eight.

Play resumed after an hour with Nathan Lyon accompanying Head, who looked on track to better his previous best Test score against Pakistan in October.

But he was enticed into prodding at a Shami ball and was out to deny him the chance of a maiden ton in his third Test.

Josh Hazlewood came to the crease but was gone first ball, again to the Shami-Pant combination, leaving Nathan Lyon unbeaten after a quick-fire 24, including a six.

For India, Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-57 and Jasprit Bumrah had 3-47.

Travis Head matched his highest Test score but missed out on a century as Australia moved to within 15 runs of India after the first innings, leaving the opening Test in Adelaide on a knife-edge Saturday.

Travis Head matched his highest Test score but missed out on a century as Australia moved to within 15 runs of India after the first innings, leaving the opening Test in Adelaide on a knife-edge Saturday. Batting on his home ground, Head made 72 before nicking a Mohammed Shami delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after adding 11 to his overnight 61. It signalled a quick end to the Australian innings, with the last wicket rapidly following and lunch called as rain came down before India's batsmen could get to the crease. Australia made 235, in reply to India's 250. They started the day at 191-7. After two days of stifling hot conditions, a change rolled in Saturday and play began 45 minutes late in gloomy conditions, with the ground's lights on. It only lasted 3.4 overs before the drizzle began again and the umpires called the players off after Mitchell Starc was caught behind by Pant, getting a thin edge to a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. He added seven runs to his overnight eight. Play resumed after an hour with Nathan Lyon accompanying Head, who looked on track to better his previous best Test score against Pakistan in October. But he was enticed into prodding at a Shami ball and was out to deny him the chance of a maiden ton in his third Test. Josh Hazlewood came to the crease but was gone first ball, again to the Shami-Pant combination, leaving Nathan Lyon unbeaten after a quick-fire 24, including a six. For India, Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-57 and Jasprit Bumrah had 3-47.

INDvsAUS, 1st Test, Day 3: Match on knife-edge with Australia 15 runs behind India

Australia's pacemen hit back with two late wickets after India's batsmen started positively to push Virat Kohli's team to 101-run lead at tea on day three of the first test on Saturday.

Josh Hazlewood had Lokesh Rahul caught behind for 44 after pace spearhead Starc dismissed Murali Vijay for 18 to end a 63-run opening stand at Adelaide Oval, after the home side were bowled out for 235 in the rain-hit first session.

Number three Cheteshwar Pujara was 11 not out, with captain Kohli on two, and an intriguing test match delicately poised under a cloudy sky.

Protecting India's first innings total of 250, Kohli's bowlers did well to carve out an initial 15-run lead, getting through Australia's final three wickets for the cost of 44 runs after the home side resumed on 191 for seven following a rain-delayed start.

India seamer Mohammed Shami was on a hat-trick after claiming the final two wickets of batsman Travis Head (72) and number 11 Josh Hazlewood (0) in successive balls.

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1000 Test runs for <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> in Australia. 
 
He is the 4th Indian to achieve this feat 😎😎 <a href="https://t.co/65hdfHx5GQ">pic.twitter.com/65hdfHx5GQ</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1071290937706450944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Starc was the first wicket to fall, caught behind off seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with 3-47.

Nathan Lyon was left 24 not out, having played a handy cameo with Head.

Dismissed for two in the first innings to extend a lean run of scores, Rahul came out with positive intent and saw off Starc and Hazlewood's opening spell before taking to Pat Cummins.

He smashed a drive for six over deep cover off Australia's first-change bowler and another square drive for four in the same over.

The recalled Vijay was never quite so settled, however, and he was out for 18 chasing a wider delivery that was caught by Peter Handscomb at second slip.

Pujara, who scored a sparkling 123 to rescue India in their first innings total of 250, was given out after an appeal for caught behind off Lyon but over-turned the decision on review.

Australia's disappointment was short-lived, however, as Rahul threw away his wicket moments later with an ill-advised swipe at a Hazlewood which served only to send a nick flying through to wicketkeeper-captain Tim Paine.

Australia's pacemen hit back with two late wickets after India's batsmen started positively to push Virat Kohli's team to 101-run lead at tea on day three of the first test on Saturday.

Australia's pacemen hit back with two late wickets after India's batsmen started positively to push Virat Kohli's team to 101-run lead at tea on day three of the first test on Saturday. Josh Hazlewood had Lokesh Rahul caught behind for 44 after pace spearhead Starc dismissed Murali Vijay for 18 to end a 63-run opening stand at Adelaide Oval, after the home side were bowled out for 235 in the rain-hit first session. Number three Cheteshwar Pujara was 11 not out, with captain Kohli on two, and an intriguing test match delicately poised under a cloudy sky. Protecting India's first innings total of 250, Kohli's bowlers did well to carve out an initial 15-run lead, getting through Australia's final three wickets for the cost of 44 runs after the home side resumed on 191 for seven following a rain-delayed start. India seamer Mohammed Shami was on a hat-trick after claiming the final two wickets of batsman Travis Head (72) and number 11 Josh Hazlewood (0) in successive balls. 1000 Test runs for @imVkohli in Australia. He is the 4th Indian to achieve this feat 😎😎 pic.twitter.com/65hdfHx5GQ — BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2018 × Starc was the first wicket to fall, caught behind off seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with 3-47. Nathan Lyon was left 24 not out, having played a handy cameo with Head. Dismissed for two in the first innings to extend a lean run of scores, Rahul came out with positive intent and saw off Starc and Hazlewood's opening spell before taking to Pat Cummins. He smashed a drive for six over deep cover off Australia's first-change bowler and another square drive for four in the same over. The recalled Vijay was never quite so settled, however, and he was out for 18 chasing a wider delivery that was caught by Peter Handscomb at second slip. Pujara, who scored a sparkling 123 to rescue India in their first innings total of 250, was given out after an appeal for caught behind off Lyon but over-turned the decision on review. Australia's disappointment was short-lived, however, as Rahul threw away his wicket moments later with an ill-advised swipe at a Hazlewood which served only to send a nick flying through to wicketkeeper-captain Tim Paine.

INDvsAUS, 1st Test, Day 3: India at 146-2 after 55 overs, lead by 161 runs

Having seen Virender Sehwag as a middle-order batsman or the see-ball-hit-ball opener or as a mentor, it was a surreal experience to watch the swashbuckling opener sit down calmly beside a table and sipping in his favorite drink - chai - all suited and booted. In fact he was so happy putting on his suit that he opted out of putting on the jersey of his IPL team Punjab. He is not the king of Najafgarh for nothing.

Sehwag was his usual chirpy self-cracking jokes and pulling legs of the newly-appointed skipper Ravichandran Ashwin. As I got comfortable around Sehwag and began with my first question, "You went all out at the Indian Premier League auctions. Do you think you have the best team to get you that elusive title?" Apt came his reply. "Of course. We spent the money to get the right squad. We have an able skipper in Ash (Ravi Ashwin) and have bolstered our Indian pool of players by picking up some really good lads at the auctions."

True, the Punjab side always flaunted international players like David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey, Mithcell Johnson but somehow missed out on Indian talents. Axar Patel was the lone player retained by the franchise co-owned by Priety Zinta. But this time around the franchise has put in money to get some true Indian talent. The notable Indian talents in the Punjab side, along with the skipper himself and Patel, are Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Mohit Sharma.

And Agarwal has been in the purplest patch of his life, hitting more than 2000 runs in the domestic circuit in just 32 innings at an average of 67.56. And Sehwag is more than elated to have him in the side. "I am very happy to have someone like Mayank in our side. He is a very good talent and has a good future ahead of him. He is aggressive top the order and can control the innings too. So it's good to have a character like him on our side," the mentor quipped.

The auctions, however, did spring a surprise or two. And one of them was the curious case of Chris Henry Gayle going unsold. "Well, to be honest, I was surprised that Gayle went unsold. And when he came back into the auction pool in the second round we were more than happy to snap him at his base price," the surprised 39-year-old said.

A skipper plays an important role once the players hit the greens, unlike football. So have Punjab really found the leader they were looking for in Ashwin? "Of course. That's the reason we went after him. He has always had that quality to lead a team but sadly he could not get that opportunity. And we are very confident that he will lead the team with utmost responsibility," the confident mentor said.

It will be interesting to see as to how the former Chennai player turns up in red. Will it be whistle podus for him in the reds or will it be an uphill task? Only time will tell.

Sehwag was his usual chirpy self-cracking jokes and pulling legs of the newly-appointed skipper Ravichandran Ashwin.

Having seen Virender Sehwag as a middle-order batsman or the see-ball-hit-ball opener or as a mentor, it was a surreal experience to watch the swashbuckling opener sit down calmly beside a table and sipping in his favorite drink - chai - all suited and booted. In fact he was so happy putting on his suit that he opted out of putting on the jersey of his IPL team Punjab. He is not the king of Najafgarh for nothing. Sehwag was his usual chirpy self-cracking jokes and pulling legs of the newly-appointed skipper Ravichandran Ashwin. As I got comfortable around Sehwag and began with my first question, "You went all out at the Indian Premier League auctions. Do you think you have the best team to get you that elusive title?" Apt came his reply. "Of course. We spent the money to get the right squad. We have an able skipper in Ash (Ravi Ashwin) and have bolstered our Indian pool of players by picking up some really good lads at the auctions." True, the Punjab side always flaunted international players like David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey, Mithcell Johnson but somehow missed out on Indian talents. Axar Patel was the lone player retained by the franchise co-owned by Priety Zinta. But this time around the franchise has put in money to get some true Indian talent. The notable Indian talents in the Punjab side, along with the skipper himself and Patel, are Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Mohit Sharma. And Agarwal has been in the purplest patch of his life, hitting more than 2000 runs in the domestic circuit in just 32 innings at an average of 67.56. And Sehwag is more than elated to have him in the side. "I am very happy to have someone like Mayank in our side. He is a very good talent and has a good future ahead of him. He is aggressive top the order and can control the innings too. So it's good to have a character like him on our side," the mentor quipped. The auctions, however, did spring a surprise or two. And one of them was the curious case of Chris Henry Gayle going unsold. "Well, to be honest, I was surprised that Gayle went unsold. And when he came back into the auction pool in the second round we were more than happy to snap him at his base price," the surprised 39-year-old said. A skipper plays an important role once the players hit the greens, unlike football. So have Punjab really found the leader they were looking for in Ashwin? "Of course. That's the reason we went after him. He has always had that quality to lead a team but sadly he could not get that opportunity. And we are very confident that he will lead the team with utmost responsibility," the confident mentor said. It will be interesting to see as to how the former Chennai player turns up in red. Will it be whistle podus for him in the reds or will it be an uphill task? Only time will tell.

IPL 2018: Virender Sehwag upbeat about Punjab

Spin wizard Ravichandran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-india-two-wickets-away-from-crushing-win-against-sri-lanka-25236">Ashwin played down </a>comparisons with Dennis Lillee after his record-breaking feat Monday helped India crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in the second Test.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark -- two fewer than Aussie pace legend Lillee who terrorised batsmen in the 1970s and early 1980s. The off-spinner was all humility when asked to comment on the enviable record, saying any comparison with the greats would be unfair.&nbsp;

&quot;We are a bit more blessed than the other greats. We have technology to help. We have help with our fitness. So we shouldn`t compare,&quot; he said after the top-ranked hosts wrapped up the win inside four days to stamp their class.

 
&quot;I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I`ve only played 50-odd Tests,&quot; said the 31-year-old, who finished with a match haul of 8-130. 
&quot;It`s not easy bowling spin, it looks like you`re just ambling up. But there`s a lot behind it.

&quot;We have bowled a lot of overs, me and Jaddu (fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja) in the last 24 months. I am a lot more experienced now.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;The victory equalled India`s biggest Test win, achieved against Bangladesh in Dhaka 10 years ago.

Sri Lanka, who started the day on 21-1 after conceding a 405-run first innings lead, crashed to 166 all out, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the first game having ended in a draw.

 
Skipper Dinesh Chandimal put up some resistance with 61 but the rest of the batsmen fell by the wayside without showing much application. Left-arm spinner Jadeja and fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma took two wickets each to underline India`s all-round dominance.

Jadeja struck early in the morning session when he had opener Dimuth Karunaratne caught at short leg for 18.

The left-handed Karunaratne, who resumed the day on 11, got an inside edge on a tossed-up delivery from Jadeja and Murali Vijay took a sharp close catch.

Karunaratne`s overnight partner Lahiru Thirimanne played a careless shot way outside off stump to hand a simple catch to Jadeja off Yadav for 23.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli hit a majestic double century on Sunday before India declared their first innings on 610-6 to take a firm grip on the match.&nbsp;Kohli made 213 from 267 balls for his fifth double century in 62 Tests and won the man of the match award.

His innings featured big partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma which pulverised the opposition. Pujara made 143, Rohit Sharma 102 not out and opener Vijay 128 in a brutal statement of intent from India which was later emphasised by the bowlers.

&quot;It`s all about creating pressure and that`s what we did... All out four bowlers looked like getting a wicket any time,&quot; Rohit Sharma told reporters. &quot;For me personally it was very important because it`s been nearly 500 days since I played my last Test match. &quot;I am glad that I could put some runs on the board for myself and the team,&quot; added Rohit Sharma, who was included in the team in place of paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Sri Lanka squandered the advantage of winning the toss and batting first as they were skittled out for 205 on the opening day.

&quot;It was a good toss to win. Unfortunately we were outplayed from the first day. Our batting let us down again. When you`re playing against India, you`ve got to score 350-plus,&quot; said Chandimal.

&quot;The bowling unit has done a really good job. But if you have no runs on the board, they can`t do anything.&quot; The third and final Test starts in Delhi on December 2.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark

Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin played down comparisons with Dennis Lillee after his record-breaking feat Monday helped India crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in the second Test. Ashwin became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the mark -- two fewer than Aussie pace legend Lillee who terrorised batsmen in the 1970s and early 1980s. The off-spinner was all humility when asked to comment on the enviable record, saying any comparison with the greats would be unfair. "We are a bit more blessed than the other greats. We have technology to help. We have help with our fitness. So we shouldn`t compare," he said after the top-ranked hosts wrapped up the win inside four days to stamp their class. "I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I`ve only played 50-odd Tests," said the 31-year-old, who finished with a match haul of 8-130. "It`s not easy bowling spin, it looks like you`re just ambling up. But there`s a lot behind it. "We have bowled a lot of overs, me and Jaddu (fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja) in the last 24 months. I am a lot more experienced now." The victory equalled India`s biggest Test win, achieved against Bangladesh in Dhaka 10 years ago. Sri Lanka, who started the day on 21-1 after conceding a 405-run first innings lead, crashed to 166 all out, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the first game having ended in a draw. Skipper Dinesh Chandimal put up some resistance with 61 but the rest of the batsmen fell by the wayside without showing much application. Left-arm spinner Jadeja and fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma took two wickets each to underline India`s all-round dominance. Jadeja struck early in the morning session when he had opener Dimuth Karunaratne caught at short leg for 18. The left-handed Karunaratne, who resumed the day on 11, got an inside edge on a tossed-up delivery from Jadeja and Murali Vijay took a sharp close catch. Karunaratne`s overnight partner Lahiru Thirimanne played a careless shot way outside off stump to hand a simple catch to Jadeja off Yadav for 23. Indian skipper Virat Kohli hit a majestic double century on Sunday before India declared their first innings on 610-6 to take a firm grip on the match. Kohli made 213 from 267 balls for his fifth double century in 62 Tests and won the man of the match award. His innings featured big partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma which pulverised the opposition. Pujara made 143, Rohit Sharma 102 not out and opener Vijay 128 in a brutal statement of intent from India which was later emphasised by the bowlers. "It`s all about creating pressure and that`s what we did... All out four bowlers looked like getting a wicket any time," Rohit Sharma told reporters. "For me personally it was very important because it`s been nearly 500 days since I played my last Test match. "I am glad that I could put some runs on the board for myself and the team," added Rohit Sharma, who was included in the team in place of paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Sri Lanka squandered the advantage of winning the toss and batting first as they were skittled out for 205 on the opening day. "It was a good toss to win. Unfortunately we were outplayed from the first day. Our batting let us down again. When you`re playing against India, you`ve got to score 350-plus," said Chandimal. "The bowling unit has done a really good job. But if you have no runs on the board, they can`t do anything." The third and final Test starts in Delhi on December 2.

Ashwin breaks record as India crush Sri Lanka in 2nd Test

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-india-two-wickets-away-from-crushing-win-against-sri-lanka-25236" target="_blank">India beat Sri Lanka</a> by an inning and 239 runs in the Nagpur Test today, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/ashwin-breaks-record-as-india-crush-sri-lanka-in-2nd-test-25259" target="_blank">spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 31,&nbsp;created&nbsp;history</a> by becoming the quickest to join the &quot;300 club&quot; in just&nbsp;54 matches, two matches shy of Australian pace bowler Dennis Lillee.

While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to&nbsp;double his record.

&quot;I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I&#39;ve only played 50 Tests,&quot; India&#39;s star spinner told AFP. At present, Ashwin has scalped&nbsp;150 ODI&nbsp;wickets in 111 matches and 52 wickets in 46 T-20&nbsp;matches.

Ashwin is ranked fourth among the top-10 ODI&nbsp;bowlers in world cricket.&nbsp;

The ace spinner was cheered and congratulated by fans and colleagues on Twitter, here&#39;s a look at some of the tweets!

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Congratulations India on a comprehensive victory. Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> on becoming the fastest to reach 300 Test Wickets.
&mdash; VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/935078192280252418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Ravichandran Ashwin Becomes Quickest To Reach 300 Wickets. (54 Matches). What A Great Achievement. Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>.?????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ChhMwshDBy">pic.twitter.com/ChhMwshDBy</a>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/935068927461269504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
To try something new when things aren&rsquo;t going your way is expected. But to try newer variations when things are going alright is what differentiates the best from the rest. Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> - what a feat! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>
&mdash; RK (@RK_sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RK_sports/status/935096981923483648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The man with intent and intensity <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin300?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin300</a> <a href="https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ">https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ</a>
&mdash; Kumar Gautam (@Kumargautamkg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kumargautamkg/status/935110475062288384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a>(54 matches) becomes the fastest to 300 Test wickets beating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DennisLillee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DennisLillee</a>(56 matches) ????
&mdash; AKSHAY 2.0 (@akshay14793) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshay14793/status/935047925289250816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Here&#39;s congratulating Ravichandran Ashwin for his spectacular performance today.&nbsp;

While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to?double his record

As India beat Sri Lanka by an inning and 239 runs in the Nagpur Test today, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 31, created history by becoming the quickest to join the "300 club" in just 54 matches, two matches shy of Australian pace bowler Dennis Lillee. While he basks in glory, the Tamil Nadu spinner is not ready to rest on his laurels keen to double his record. "I really hope I can go on to double these 300 wickets. I've only played 50 Tests," India's star spinner told AFP. At present, Ashwin has scalped 150 ODI wickets in 111 matches and 52 wickets in 46 T-20 matches. Ashwin is ranked fourth among the top-10 ODI bowlers in world cricket. The ace spinner was cheered and congratulated by fans and colleagues on Twitter, here's a look at some of the tweets! Congratulations India on a comprehensive victory. Many congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on becoming the fastest to reach 300 Test Wickets. — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 27, 2017 × Ravichandran Ashwin Becomes Quickest To Reach 300 Wickets. (54 Matches). What A Great Achievement. Congrats #Ashwin.?????????#IndvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/ChhMwshDBy — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 27, 2017 × To try something new when things aren’t going your way is expected. But to try newer variations when things are going alright is what differentiates the best from the rest. Well done @ashwinravi99 - what a feat! #Ashwin — RK (@RK_sports) November 27, 2017 × The man with intent and intensity #Ashwin #Ashwin300 https://t.co/QMmsjgAKgJ — Kumar Gautam (@Kumargautamkg) November 27, 2017 × #Ashwin(54 matches) becomes the fastest to 300 Test wickets beating #DennisLillee(56 matches) ???? — AKSHAY 2.0 (@akshay14793) November 27, 2017 × Here's congratulating Ravichandran Ashwin for his spectacular performance today.

After bagging quickest 300 Test wickets, Ashwin eyes 'super 600'

India on Sunday recalled pacemen Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav to the squad for the first three one-day internationals against Australia in the upcoming limited-over home series.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued to be rested as the selectors announced a 16-member squad for the series starting September 17.&nbsp;

India and Australia will play five ODIs in all and three Twenty20 matches during the tour lasting nearly a month.&nbsp;

Rookie spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal have been retained for their performance during the Sri Lanka tour, where India swept to an emphatic 9-0 victory in all three formats. &nbsp;

&quot;The team for the three ODIs against Australia has been selected in line with the rotation policy of the Board and accordingly R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested,&quot; said MSK Prasad, chairman of the senior selection committee.&nbsp;

India squad: &nbsp;&nbsp;

Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued to be rested as the selectors announced a 16-member squad for the series which starts on September 17

India on Sunday recalled pacemen Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav to the squad for the first three one-day internationals against Australia in the upcoming limited-over home series. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued to be rested as the selectors announced a 16-member squad for the series starting September 17. India and Australia will play five ODIs in all and three Twenty20 matches during the tour lasting nearly a month. Rookie spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal have been retained for their performance during the Sri Lanka tour, where India swept to an emphatic 9-0 victory in all three formats. "The team for the three ODIs against Australia has been selected in line with the rotation policy of the Board and accordingly R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested," said MSK Prasad, chairman of the senior selection committee. India squad: Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami.

India name squad for Australia ODIs, recall pacemen Umesh and Shami

India&#39;s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed his first County Cricket wicket in his debut for Worcestershire.

The Tamil Nadu born all rounder took his maiden wicket in County championship by bowling Gloucestershire&rsquo;s wicket-keeper batsman Gareth Roderick. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/3rd-test-india-demolish-sri-lanka-whitewash-series-18977">Ashwin</a> dismissed Roderick&#39;s wicket in his 10th over.&nbsp;

While batting at No 6, the cricketer also hit 36 runs, besides taking two more wickets.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/2nd-test-ashwin-rahane-put-india-on-top-against-lanka-18613">30-year-old cricketer</a> will be facing his team-mate Cheteshwar Pujara in the match against Nottinghamshire on September 5.

Ashwin stated that he will be playing for all four games for Worcestershire. In an interview with ESPN, he said &quot;I could be called to play in the Australia series. But I have indicated that I will be available for all four games. As of now, there are no communication channels open but they will be shortly so I&rsquo;ll probably get a clearer idea after the Sri Lanka series,&rdquo;&nbsp;

Ashwin presently ranks third in the ICC&#39;s Test bowling rankings.

&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu-born all-rounder took his maiden wicket in County championship by bowling Gloucestershire?s wicket-keeper batsman Gareth Roderick. Ashwin dismissed Roderick's wicket in his 10th over

India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed his first County Cricket wicket in his debut for Worcestershire. The Tamil Nadu born all rounder took his maiden wicket in County championship by bowling Gloucestershire’s wicket-keeper batsman Gareth Roderick. Ashwin dismissed Roderick's wicket in his 10th over. While batting at No 6, the cricketer also hit 36 runs, besides taking two more wickets. The 30-year-old cricketer will be facing his team-mate Cheteshwar Pujara in the match against Nottinghamshire on September 5. Ashwin stated that he will be playing for all four games for Worcestershire. In an interview with ESPN, he said "I could be called to play in the Australia series. But I have indicated that I will be available for all four games. As of now, there are no communication channels open but they will be shortly so I’ll probably get a clearer idea after the Sri Lanka series,” Ashwin presently ranks third in the ICC's Test bowling rankings.

R Ashwin strikes three wickets on Worcestershire County debut

Chasing 188 runs to win, India bowlers struck at regular intervals as India beat Australia by 75 runs on the fourth day to win the second Test match at Bengaluru.&nbsp;

India struck almost immediately after tea with Ravichandran Ashwin grabbing the vital wicket of Mitchell Starc to reduce Australia to 103 for seven as India took a stranglehold over the second Test&nbsp;on a sunny day at&nbsp;Bengaluru. Ashwin took the last wicket to fall that of Nathan Lyon, caught &amp; bowled to clinch the match and level the series. Ashwin picked up match figures of 6 for 74 to put the Test match beyond Australia&#39;s reach on the decisive fourth day at&nbsp;Bengaluru.

KL Rahul was declared the Man of the Match for his gallant 90 and 51 in the two innings on a difficult Bengaluru pitch.

&quot;We knew if we got anything over 150, we had a chance. After conceding the lead, Pujara and Rahane had a champion partnership. Two best Test batsmen we have got, so much character and technique and heart,&quot; Indian captain Virat Kohli said at the post-match award show. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

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India beat Australia by 75 runs in the second Test making the 4 match series level. (WION)
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Earlier, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets in a session to help reduce Australia to 101 for six at tea on a tense fourth day, with the touring side still needing 87 more runs after tea to win the second Test but it was not to be as Ashwin had other ideas.

Peter Handscomb was unbeaten on 19 with Matthew Wade&#39;s dismissal for a duck sending the players in for the tea break.

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Ravichandran Ashwin (L) celebrates with Ravindra Jadeja as Indian captain Virat Kohli exults after the dismissal of Australian batsman Shaun Marsh during the fourth day of the second Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (AFP)
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The Chinnaswamy pitch helped the spinners with the ball keeping low, allowing the Indian slow bowlers to extract sharp turn, Australia were set a tricky target of 188 runs in the morning to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

After dismissing the dangerous opening batsman David Warner for 17 in his first spell, Ashwin returned before the interval to send back Mitchell Marsh and Wade.

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav got the big wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith, who was out leg before to a grubber of a ball that stayed so low it almost hit his boot.

Smith was out for 28 and also subjected to some angry words from Indian fielders while he appeared to look towards his dressing room for advice before opting against a review of the decision.

Umesh also dismissed Shaun Marsh leg before for nine, when he padded a delivery outside the off stump. The batsman would have been saved if he had reviewed the verdict with replays showing the ball was missing the wicket.

Josh Hazlewood earlier picked up career-best figures of 6-67 to rip through India&#39;s batting on the fourth morning and restrict the hosts to 274 in their second innings.

Smith started with spin from both ends to try and break the fifth-wicket partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but when the new ball was available after 80 overs, he handed it to his pacemen.

Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was erratic in his first two overs with it, but had soon made a key breakthrough by dismissing Rahane leg before for 52 with a full inswinging delivery.

The batsman was given not out but Smith successfully overturned the decision on review to end a partnership of 118 between Pujara and Rahane.

Starc rattled the stumps of Karun Nair next ball for a duck and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha only just kept out the hat-trick delivery.

The 26-year-old Hazlewood, who had taken three wickets on Monday, took up the gauntlet in the following over and struck a major blow to India&#39;s hopes by dismissing Pujara for 92, caught at gully.

Ashwin was also out in the same over for four to the right-arm paceman with the ball keeping low and going under his bat to disturb the stumps. Umesh became Hazlewood&#39;s sixth victim as India lost five wickets for just 20 runs in 19 deliveries.

(WION with Reuters inputs)

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up six wickets to demolish Australia on the fourth of the Bengaluru Test

Chasing 188 runs to win, India bowlers struck at regular intervals as India beat Australia by 75 runs on the fourth day to win the second Test match at Bengaluru. India struck almost immediately after tea with Ravichandran Ashwin grabbing the vital wicket of Mitchell Starc to reduce Australia to 103 for seven as India took a stranglehold over the second Test on a sunny day at Bengaluru. Ashwin took the last wicket to fall that of Nathan Lyon, caught & bowled to clinch the match and level the series. Ashwin picked up match figures of 6 for 74 to put the Test match beyond Australia's reach on the decisive fourth day at Bengaluru. KL Rahul was declared the Man of the Match for his gallant 90 and 51 in the two innings on a difficult Bengaluru pitch. "We knew if we got anything over 150, we had a chance. After conceding the lead, Pujara and Rahane had a champion partnership. Two best Test batsmen we have got, so much character and technique and heart," Indian captain Virat Kohli said at the post-match award show. India beat Australia by 75 runs in the second Test making the 4 match series level. (WION) × Earlier, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets in a session to help reduce Australia to 101 for six at tea on a tense fourth day, with the touring side still needing 87 more runs after tea to win the second Test but it was not to be as Ashwin had other ideas. Peter Handscomb was unbeaten on 19 with Matthew Wade's dismissal for a duck sending the players in for the tea break. Ravichandran Ashwin (L) celebrates with Ravindra Jadeja as Indian captain Virat Kohli exults after the dismissal of Australian batsman Shaun Marsh during the fourth day of the second Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (AFP) × The Chinnaswamy pitch helped the spinners with the ball keeping low, allowing the Indian slow bowlers to extract sharp turn, Australia were set a tricky target of 188 runs in the morning to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. After dismissing the dangerous opening batsman David Warner for 17 in his first spell, Ashwin returned before the interval to send back Mitchell Marsh and Wade. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav got the big wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith, who was out leg before to a grubber of a ball that stayed so low it almost hit his boot. Smith was out for 28 and also subjected to some angry words from Indian fielders while he appeared to look towards his dressing room for advice before opting against a review of the decision. Umesh also dismissed Shaun Marsh leg before for nine, when he padded a delivery outside the off stump. The batsman would have been saved if he had reviewed the verdict with replays showing the ball was missing the wicket. Josh Hazlewood earlier picked up career-best figures of 6-67 to rip through India's batting on the fourth morning and restrict the hosts to 274 in their second innings. Smith started with spin from both ends to try and break the fifth-wicket partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but when the new ball was available after 80 overs, he handed it to his pacemen. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was erratic in his first two overs with it, but had soon made a key breakthrough by dismissing Rahane leg before for 52 with a full inswinging delivery. The batsman was given not out but Smith successfully overturned the decision on review to end a partnership of 118 between Pujara and Rahane. Starc rattled the stumps of Karun Nair next ball for a duck and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha only just kept out the hat-trick delivery. The 26-year-old Hazlewood, who had taken three wickets on Monday, took up the gauntlet in the following over and struck a major blow to India's hopes by dismissing Pujara for 92, caught at gully. Ashwin was also out in the same over for four to the right-arm paceman with the ball keeping low and going under his bat to disturb the stumps. Umesh became Hazlewood's sixth victim as India lost five wickets for just 20 runs in 19 deliveries. (WION with Reuters inputs)

2nd Test match: India beat Australia by 75 runs to level series

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh has described off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the &#39;Don Bradman of bowling&#39; and said that he is the player the Australian team would need to overcome during its upcoming tour of India. 
 
Set to play a four-Test series against India starting on February 23 in Pune, Waugh felt the Australian team would have to keep calm under pressure and find ways to deal with Ashwin&#39;s bowling. 
 
&quot;Ashwin is basically the Bradman of bowling. What he is doing is quite incredible. I think he is the player we have to overcome. The Australians would have to look at ways to overcome Ashwin&#39;s bowling. If Aussies can do that then we will have a chance. The guys need to stay calm under pressure,&quot; said Waugh. 
 
Heaping praise on the Indian off-spinner, Waugh said: &quot;The way he is playing at the moment, he is going to break a number of records. Ashwin&#39;s statistics are just mindboggling.&quot; 
 
The 51-year-old legendary batsman said that it would be a difficult series for Australia as India are a very settled side and Virat Kohli&#39;s captaincy is contagious. 
 
&quot;India are playing very well at the moment and are a very settled side. Everyone is very comfortable in their roles. 
 
They are also playing a lot at home. It is very hard to beat them at home and that has been proved in the last couple of years,&quot; said Waugh during an interaction before the start of the Laureus Worlds Sports Awards. 
 
&quot;Virat Kohli&#39;s leadership is also very contagious. The Indian players feel positive and they feel they can do anything. It seems that the new Team India can achieve anything,&quot; he added. 
 
Waugh, however, felt that writing off the Australian team, as Sourav Ganguly had recently said, would be completely &quot;foolish&quot;. 
 
&quot;Australia will provide a pretty good test to the formidable Indian side. There are players that India do not know much about and that would work to Aussies&#39; advantage. The first Test will be very important. If the Aussies can get off to a good start and do well in the opening Test match, you never know. Anything can happen. 
 
&quot;We have the potential to change our side after the first two Tests. If we do well in the first Test, we may spring a surprise. We might also be able to provide an upset,&quot; insisted Waugh. 
 
&quot;The senior players need to do well and that is going to be a challenge in the opening Test. We have some match winners in our team. Sourav&#39;s been a bit optimistic there.&quot; 
 
Waugh said he could not understand why Australia&#39;s recent performances in overseas series had been so dismal. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t know the reason. It is a global game. You have neutral umpires. There are no excuses not to play well away from home anymore. May be it is a mind thing. The very thought that you are playing away from home may be playing in their minds. Don&#39;t know the reason why they have not been doing well overseas. 
 
&quot;We always used to enjoy playing overseas earlier as there is less pressure as you are away from the home crowd, family, friends and the media. And you can relax.

(PTI)

The former Australian skipper said the baggy greens had to overcome him to have any chance of winning the upcoming Test series

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh has described off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the 'Don Bradman of bowling' and said that he is the player the Australian team would need to overcome during its upcoming tour of India. Set to play a four-Test series against India starting on February 23 in Pune, Waugh felt the Australian team would have to keep calm under pressure and find ways to deal with Ashwin's bowling. "Ashwin is basically the Bradman of bowling. What he is doing is quite incredible. I think he is the player we have to overcome. The Australians would have to look at ways to overcome Ashwin's bowling. If Aussies can do that then we will have a chance. The guys need to stay calm under pressure," said Waugh. Heaping praise on the Indian off-spinner, Waugh said: "The way he is playing at the moment, he is going to break a number of records. Ashwin's statistics are just mindboggling." The 51-year-old legendary batsman said that it would be a difficult series for Australia as India are a very settled side and Virat Kohli's captaincy is contagious. "India are playing very well at the moment and are a very settled side. Everyone is very comfortable in their roles. They are also playing a lot at home. It is very hard to beat them at home and that has been proved in the last couple of years," said Waugh during an interaction before the start of the Laureus Worlds Sports Awards. "Virat Kohli's leadership is also very contagious. The Indian players feel positive and they feel they can do anything. It seems that the new Team India can achieve anything," he added. Waugh, however, felt that writing off the Australian team, as Sourav Ganguly had recently said, would be completely "foolish". "Australia will provide a pretty good test to the formidable Indian side. There are players that India do not know much about and that would work to Aussies' advantage. The first Test will be very important. If the Aussies can get off to a good start and do well in the opening Test match, you never know. Anything can happen. "We have the potential to change our side after the first two Tests. If we do well in the first Test, we may spring a surprise. We might also be able to provide an upset," insisted Waugh. "The senior players need to do well and that is going to be a challenge in the opening Test. We have some match winners in our team. Sourav's been a bit optimistic there." Waugh said he could not understand why Australia's recent performances in overseas series had been so dismal. "I don't know the reason. It is a global game. You have neutral umpires. There are no excuses not to play well away from home anymore. May be it is a mind thing. The very thought that you are playing away from home may be playing in their minds. Don't know the reason why they have not been doing well overseas. "We always used to enjoy playing overseas earlier as there is less pressure as you are away from the home crowd, family, friends and the media. And you can relax. (PTI)

Ravichandran Ashwin is Don Bradman of bowling: Steve Waugh

India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs to win the one-off Test at Hyderabad on the fifth and final day on Monday.

Set an unlikely victory target of 459, Bangladesh were dismissed for 250 shortly after the scheduled tea break.

India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory.

Bangladesh did show resistance, batting over 100 overs but scoreboard pressure coupled with concerted bowling by the Indians made their hard work go in vain.

Ashwin, who in his 45th Test had become the fastest bowler to claim 250 Test wickets on Sunday, trapped Taskin Ahmed lbw to complete the win as an umpire referral put India&#39;s celebrations on hold.

The lanky off-spinner got first innings centurion Mushfqur Rahim (23) in the morning session to dent Bangladesh&#39;s hopes of saving the match.

Earlier in the first session, Jadeja dismissed star batsman Shakib Al Hasan (22), who added just one run to his overnight score.

Mahmudullah then put on fighting partnerships with Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to resist the Indian attack on what still seemed to be a decent batting track.

India had bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their second innings and decided to build on their 299-run lead after not enforcing the follow-on.

Ninth-ranked Bangladesh were always left playing catch-up after the hosts posted a mammoth 687-6 declared in their first innings.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who won his sixth successive Test series as captain, led the way with his blazing 204 after the hosts elected to bat first.

The 28-year-old became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series, surpassing legends like Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid.

Indian batting reined supreme against an inexperienced Bangladesh bowling attack with the innings witnessing four centuries and three 50s.

India maintained their unbeaten record against the minnows with seven wins and two draws in nine encounters.

India are now scheduled to host Australia in a four-match Test series starting February 23 in Pune.

Final scoreboard:&nbsp;

India 687-6 dec (V. Kohli 204, M. Vijay 108; T. Islam 3-156)

Bangladesh 1st innings 388 (M. Rahim 127, Shakib Al Hasan 82; U. Yadav 3-84)

India 2nd innings 159-4 dec (C. Pujara 54 not not; Shakib Al Hasan 2-50)

Bangladesh 2nd innings (target 459; overnight 103-3, Mahmudullah 9 not out, Shakib Al Hasan 21 not out)

Tamim Iqbal c Kohli b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

Soumya Sarkar c Rahane b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42

Mominul Haque c Rahane b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27

Mahmudullah c Kumar b Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;64

Shakib Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23

Sabbir Rahman lbw b Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

Mehedi Hasan c Saha b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23

Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

Taijul Islam c Rahul b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

Taskin Ahmed lbw b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

Extras (b 4, lb 7, nb 3) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Total (all out; 100.3 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 250

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-71 (Sarkar), 3-75 (Haque), 4-106 (Shakib), 5-162 (Rahim), 6-213 (Rahman), 7-225 (Mahmudullah), 8-242 (Hasan), 9-249 (Taijul), 10-250 (Ahmed)

Bowling: Kumar 8-4-15-0, Ashwin 30.3-10-73-4, Sharma 13-3-40-2 (3nb), Yadav 12-2-33-0, Jadeja 37-15-78-4

Toss: India

Result: India win by 208 runs

Umpires:&nbsp;Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Joel Wilson (WIS)

TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee:&nbsp;Andy Pycroft (ZIM)&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory.

India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs to win the one-off Test at Hyderabad on the fifth and final day on Monday. Set an unlikely victory target of 459, Bangladesh were dismissed for 250 shortly after the scheduled tea break. India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory. Bangladesh did show resistance, batting over 100 overs but scoreboard pressure coupled with concerted bowling by the Indians made their hard work go in vain. Ashwin, who in his 45th Test had become the fastest bowler to claim 250 Test wickets on Sunday, trapped Taskin Ahmed lbw to complete the win as an umpire referral put India's celebrations on hold. The lanky off-spinner got first innings centurion Mushfqur Rahim (23) in the morning session to dent Bangladesh's hopes of saving the match. Earlier in the first session, Jadeja dismissed star batsman Shakib Al Hasan (22), who added just one run to his overnight score. Mahmudullah then put on fighting partnerships with Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to resist the Indian attack on what still seemed to be a decent batting track. India had bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their second innings and decided to build on their 299-run lead after not enforcing the follow-on. Ninth-ranked Bangladesh were always left playing catch-up after the hosts posted a mammoth 687-6 declared in their first innings. Skipper Virat Kohli, who won his sixth successive Test series as captain, led the way with his blazing 204 after the hosts elected to bat first. The 28-year-old became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series, surpassing legends like Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid. Indian batting reined supreme against an inexperienced Bangladesh bowling attack with the innings witnessing four centuries and three 50s. India maintained their unbeaten record against the minnows with seven wins and two draws in nine encounters. India are now scheduled to host Australia in a four-match Test series starting February 23 in Pune. Final scoreboard: India 687-6 dec (V. Kohli 204, M. Vijay 108; T. Islam 3-156) Bangladesh 1st innings 388 (M. Rahim 127, Shakib Al Hasan 82; U. Yadav 3-84) India 2nd innings 159-4 dec (C. Pujara 54 not not; Shakib Al Hasan 2-50) Bangladesh 2nd innings (target 459; overnight 103-3, Mahmudullah 9 not out, Shakib Al Hasan 21 not out) Tamim Iqbal c Kohli b Ashwin 3 Soumya Sarkar c Rahane b Jadeja 42 Mominul Haque c Rahane b Ashwin 27 Mahmudullah c Kumar b Sharma 64 Shakib Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja 22 Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Ashwin 23 Sabbir Rahman lbw b Sharma 22 Mehedi Hasan c Saha b Jadeja 23 Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out 3 Taijul Islam c Rahul b Jadeja 6 Taskin Ahmed lbw b Ashwin 1 Extras (b 4, lb 7, nb 3) 14 Total (all out; 100.3 overs) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-71 (Sarkar), 3-75 (Haque), 4-106 (Shakib), 5-162 (Rahim), 6-213 (Rahman), 7-225 (Mahmudullah), 8-242 (Hasan), 9-249 (Taijul), 10-250 (Ahmed) Bowling: Kumar 8-4-15-0, Ashwin 30.3-10-73-4, Sharma 13-3-40-2 (3nb), Yadav 12-2-33-0, Jadeja 37-15-78-4 Toss: India Result: India win by 208 runs Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Joel Wilson (WIS) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM) (WION with inputs from AFP)

Test cricket: India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up six wickets in England&#39;s second innings as India cruised to victory in the fourth test at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday to wrap up the five-match series with a game to spare.

The touring side, who resumed the final day on 182 for six, were only able to add 13 more runs to their total as Ashwin took all four remaining wickets in a little more than half an hour and the hosts won by an innings and 36 runs.

The five-wicket haul was the 24th for the world&#39;s top-ranked test bowler and his seventh 10-wicket haul, after the 30-year-old also took six wickets in England&#39;s first innings, inspired India to an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Trailing by 49 runs entering the final day, England&#39;s hopes of making India bat again rested on a pair of wicketkeeper-batsmen -- Jonny Bairstow, who was unbeaten on 50 overnight, and Jos Buttler.

Bairstow, however, misread Ashwin&#39;s &#39;carrom&#39; ball, a finger-spinner delivered with the knuckle, to be struck in front of the wicket after adding just a run to his overnight score and was unable to overturn the leg before decision on review.

Ashwin then claimed a wicket in each of his next three overs to bring about a quick end to proceedings as England&#39;s lower order capitulated meekly.

There were some angry words exchanged between James Anderson and the India players when the England number 11 walked in to bat with the umpires forced to intervene to prevent the incident from escalating further.

On what has been a generally dismal tour for England, they also picked up an unwelcome statistic of becoming just the third side in test history to compile 400 in the first innings and still lose by an innings.

Ashwin, who has won the man of the series awards in each of India&#39;s last four test series, took his tally to 27 wickets from the four matches against England.

India captain Virat Kohli, who hit 235 in India&#39;s first innings for his third double century of the year, leads the run-scoring list with 640 at an average of 128.

The fifth and final test will be played in Chennai from Friday.

(Reuters)

India won by an innings and 36 runs, R Ashwin got 12 wickets

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up six wickets in England's second innings as India cruised to victory in the fourth test at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday to wrap up the five-match series with a game to spare. The touring side, who resumed the final day on 182 for six, were only able to add 13 more runs to their total as Ashwin took all four remaining wickets in a little more than half an hour and the hosts won by an innings and 36 runs. The five-wicket haul was the 24th for the world's top-ranked test bowler and his seventh 10-wicket haul, after the 30-year-old also took six wickets in England's first innings, inspired India to an unassailable 3-0 lead. Trailing by 49 runs entering the final day, England's hopes of making India bat again rested on a pair of wicketkeeper-batsmen -- Jonny Bairstow, who was unbeaten on 50 overnight, and Jos Buttler. Bairstow, however, misread Ashwin's 'carrom' ball, a finger-spinner delivered with the knuckle, to be struck in front of the wicket after adding just a run to his overnight score and was unable to overturn the leg before decision on review. Ashwin then claimed a wicket in each of his next three overs to bring about a quick end to proceedings as England's lower order capitulated meekly. There were some angry words exchanged between James Anderson and the India players when the England number 11 walked in to bat with the umpires forced to intervene to prevent the incident from escalating further. On what has been a generally dismal tour for England, they also picked up an unwelcome statistic of becoming just the third side in test history to compile 400 in the first innings and still lose by an innings. Ashwin, who has won the man of the series awards in each of India's last four test series, took his tally to 27 wickets from the four matches against England. India captain Virat Kohli, who hit 235 in India's first innings for his third double century of the year, leads the run-scoring list with 640 at an average of 128. The fifth and final test will be played in Chennai from Friday. (Reuters)

India beat England in 4th test, take 3-0 lead in 5-match series

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed seven wickets to lead India&#39;s whitewash of New Zealand as the hosts romped to a 321-run victory on day four of the third and final Test on Tuesday.

Ashwin with career-best match figures of 13-140 helped India skittle out the visitors, who were chasing a daunting 475-run target, for 153 in under two sessions of play at Indore.

Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker in the three Tests with 27 scalps, was named both man of the match and player of the series.&nbsp;

India, who climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after their series-clinching win in Kolkata, remain in number one position ahead of Pakistan.

New Zealand, whitewashed in India for the second successive time after their 2-0 loss in 2012, suffered an early blow when Umesh Yadav trapped opener Tom Latham lbw for six.&nbsp;The visitors took tea on 38 for one but lost nine more wickets in the final session of play.

&quot;The bowlers have responded beautifully every time we&#39;ve been in pressure. Someone has always put up their hand,&quot; said Indian skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;&quot;And that&#39;s the difference: this team is up, we get wickets in bunches. We have that attitude and we do get the results.&quot;

Ashwin, who registered his 21st five-wicket haul in Tests, took charge in the evening session to remove skipper Kane Williamson for 27.&nbsp;It was the fourth time in a row that he had dismissed the Black Caps&#39; star batsman, who missed the second Test due to a viral infection.

Ross Taylor showed some aggressive intent with 32 off 25 balls including five fours and a six, but did not last long before he was bowled by another Ashwin turner.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon joined forces with Ashwin to dash New Zealnd&#39;s hopes of surviving the day after getting the all-important wickets of Martin Guptill and James Neesham.

Ashwin then disposed of the tail as the hosts celebrated their 3-0 series triumph.

&nbsp;

Pujara heroics

Earlier in the day, a century by Cheteshwar Pujara had put the hosts on course to set New Zealand a daunting victory target at India&#39;s newest Test venue, Indore&#39;s Holkar Stadium.&nbsp;

Pujara struck an unbeaten 101 as India, who started the day on 18 without loss, declared their second innings on 216 for three in the afternoon session.&nbsp;Pujara, who recorded his eight Test hundred, put on 76 for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir (50).

&quot;If you see Pujara hitting a fast bowler back over his head, it is the best example of expressing yourself. This is a proper team series win. It wasn&#39;t just one individual,&quot; said Kohli.

India had already gained the upper hand after bowling out New Zealand for 299 in response to their massive first innings score of 557 for five declared.

Kohli&#39;s second Test double-century paved the way for India&#39;s dominance as he registered his career-best score of 211.&nbsp;The star batsman put on a record 365-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (188) to keep the New Zealand bowlers on the field for close to six sessions.

&quot;We wanted to show better cricket than we did, but full credit to India. They outplayed us in all areas and we have to weather these wounds,&quot; said a disappointed Williamson.

(AFP)

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, named both man of the match and player of the series, claimed seven wickets to lead India's win

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed seven wickets to lead India's whitewash of New Zealand as the hosts romped to a 321-run victory on day four of the third and final Test on Tuesday. Ashwin with career-best match figures of 13-140 helped India skittle out the visitors, who were chasing a daunting 475-run target, for 153 in under two sessions of play at Indore. Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker in the three Tests with 27 scalps, was named both man of the match and player of the series. India, who climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after their series-clinching win in Kolkata, remain in number one position ahead of Pakistan. New Zealand, whitewashed in India for the second successive time after their 2-0 loss in 2012, suffered an early blow when Umesh Yadav trapped opener Tom Latham lbw for six. The visitors took tea on 38 for one but lost nine more wickets in the final session of play. "The bowlers have responded beautifully every time we've been in pressure. Someone has always put up their hand," said Indian skipper Virat Kohli. "And that's the difference: this team is up, we get wickets in bunches. We have that attitude and we do get the results." Ashwin, who registered his 21st five-wicket haul in Tests, took charge in the evening session to remove skipper Kane Williamson for 27. It was the fourth time in a row that he had dismissed the Black Caps' star batsman, who missed the second Test due to a viral infection. Ross Taylor showed some aggressive intent with 32 off 25 balls including five fours and a six, but did not last long before he was bowled by another Ashwin turner. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja soon joined forces with Ashwin to dash New Zealnd's hopes of surviving the day after getting the all-important wickets of Martin Guptill and James Neesham. Ashwin then disposed of the tail as the hosts celebrated their 3-0 series triumph. Pujara heroics Earlier in the day, a century by Cheteshwar Pujara had put the hosts on course to set New Zealand a daunting victory target at India's newest Test venue, Indore's Holkar Stadium. Pujara struck an unbeaten 101 as India, who started the day on 18 without loss, declared their second innings on 216 for three in the afternoon session. Pujara, who recorded his eight Test hundred, put on 76 for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir (50). "If you see Pujara hitting a fast bowler back over his head, it is the best example of expressing yourself. This is a proper team series win. It wasn't just one individual," said Kohli. India had already gained the upper hand after bowling out New Zealand for 299 in response to their massive first innings score of 557 for five declared. Kohli's second Test double-century paved the way for India's dominance as he registered his career-best score of 211. The star batsman put on a record 365-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (188) to keep the New Zealand bowlers on the field for close to six sessions. "We wanted to show better cricket than we did, but full credit to India. They outplayed us in all areas and we have to weather these wounds," said a disappointed Williamson. (AFP)

India thrashes New Zealand with 321-run victory, tops test rankings

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