R. Ashwin opines on his domestic red-ball stint ahead of England Tour

The key spinner for the Indian Test team, Ravichandran Ashwin opted to feature in the TNCA First Division League after the culmination of Indian Premier League 2022.

He played for his team, Mylapore Recreation Club (MRC), in the knockout stages of the tournament. In this pursuit, he garnered a total of 106 runs and picked up four wickets. His performances helped the team win the semi-finals and clinch the 1st Division Raja of Palayampatti Shield 2021/22. 

Ashwin reckoned that the motive to feature for the First Division matches was to shift his temperament and game from 20 overs to the red-ball cricket. He added that as the player gets older, he needs to be smarter with his approach. 

"The purpose of playing these games (First Division) is to shift from 20 overs to this (red-ball) format...All these things are workload management. As you grow older, you play more and play smarter," Ashwin said after inspiring MRC A to their maiden TNCA first division title.

The 35-year-old spinner is trying to manage the workload better and is relishing his game. He is hopeful of attaining fine fitness and contributing to both departments in England. 

"I am trying to do that. I am enjoying my game. I just want to go there (England) and take it as it comes. I feel I can contribute with the bat and bowl well. I want to keep ticking on my fitness and keep working."

Ashwin is a part of the one-off Test fixture against England scheduled to be played from July 1. He is set to embark with the whole squad on June 15 and will don India shirts in a practice match against Leicestershire from June 22. 

In the end, Ashwin added that he is not thinking too far ahead, and will take the England Tour, as it comes due to his experience over the years. 

"I have done all these things over the years that I feel I am in a position where I can take it as it comes. I am happy playing the kind of cricket I am playing. I do not want to think too far ahead," Ashwin said.