[Watch] Two In Two For R Ashwin As He Gets Duckett, Pope Cheaply In Ranchi Test
Ashwin got Duckett and Pope out with the new ball [X.com]
After conceding a vital lead of 46 runs after the first-innings of the Ranchi Test against England, India desperately required their ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to strike early. As has been the case over the years, the great bowler didn't disappoint his skipper.
The Indian stalwart relished his first opportunity to bowl with the new-ball in the Test series on Day 3 of the fourth Test and dismissed opener Ben Duckett and No.3 Ollie Pope in quick succession with a pair of terrific dismissals, borne out of the legendary tweaker's smarts and artistry.
Ashwin, who managed to overcome Duckett's attempted reverse-sweeping tactics, got the left-hander out, defending a delivery that jumped up to hit the splice of his willow and provided a comfortable catch into the hands of the short-leg fielder Sarfaraz Khan.
Ashwin Bags Two In Two To Dismiss Duckett, Pope
Over dependent on his sweeping tactics, Duckett failed to show a proper face of the bat to an Ashwin off-spinner, which dipped on the left-hander and induced the thick edge that flew into the hands of Sarfaraz, with the short-leg fielder making absolutely no mistake.
The legendary spinner then rallied on the momentum behind to outsmart Pope after the right-hander attempted a flick towards the on-side but missed the delivery, which skid on to hit the stumps, as confirmed on the review taken by the Englishman after the umpire had raised his finger.
The pair of wickets would've instilled a great sense of confidence in Ashwin and the rest of the Indian pack after they gave away a crucial lead to the tourists and needed to skittle them out early to ensure they didn't chase a hefty total on a tricky surface in Ranchi.
 "Kashish Chadha")
