Axar Patel’s heroism against New Zealand on the third day of the Kanpur Test was a delight for the fans. Rushing through the Kiwis batting line-up seemed a daunting task, until Ashwin defeated Will Young to open the way. That was just the beginning and in the next season, Akshar took things into his own hands and after that the script went on history.
The left-arm spinner took his fifth five-wicket haul in just the fourth Test of his career, setting a benchmark for other bowlers. After the day’s play, Axar spoke to his senior teammate Ashwin and the latter asked about the technique with which the New Zealand batsman was taken down.
Axar got the better of Taylor wide to the crease with a slow delivery, which turned slightly before taking a good lead and landing safely on KS Bharat’s glove. Before being dismissed, the spinner sets up the batsman targeting both the sides.
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Throwing light on the whole method, Ashwin asked Akshar on BCCI.tv how he manages to do it. In a hilarious reply, the left-hander advised his partner to spin the ball less.
“One thing that I really liked today and I want to ask now. That set-up for Ross Taylor where he just turned a ball. When I swing the ball, it overtakes the bat, but in your case it takes the lead. This is what I want to learn from you. Want the ball to take the lead and land in their (KS India) gloves,” said Ashwin.
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Axar replied, “You spin the ball too much and so it goes past the bat (laughs). My ball doesn’t turn much so that’s enough to take the lead.”
The Gujarat spinner took 5 for 62 while Ashwin made 3 for 82 in 42.3 overs. India Ended the third day with a lead of 63 runs in the second innings. Opener Shubman Gill fell victim to Kyle Jamieson and lost his wicket early.
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