EXPLOSIVE Indian all-rounder Ravi Ashwin admitted the challenge of New Road’s ‘tricky’ wicket was one of the reasons he joined Worcestershire.
The talented off-spinner enjoyed a debut to remember as he guided the Pears to victory over rivals Gloucestershire in their Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash at New Road last week.
Ashwin picked up eight wickets in the match and smashed 64 with the bat across the two innings to propel his side to glory.
Despite the wet conditions taking away the bounce from the wicket, the 2016 ICC Cricketer of the Year excelled with the ball, with figures of 3-93 off 29 overs and 5-68 off 34 overs to keep the Pears in the promotion hunt.
Ashwin admitted he has already been passing on his Test cricket knowledge to his new team-mates and believes he will have done his job if he can raise their game by five per cent.
“The boys have been fabulous and I’ve really enjoyed my time so far. The atmosphere of the dressing room is very important for you to settle in and I’ve felt very welcome here, so I couldn’t ask for more.” said the experienced IPL player.
“The moment I arrived Moeen Ali got in touch too, he’s been very kind to me.
“I’ve always believed whoever comes knocking first should be given the priority and Worcestershire were first. I had heard a few things about New Road that it’s not the easiest wicket to be bowling on so I thought I’d come over and challenge myself.
“It was one of those really slow pitches with not a lot of bounce (against Gloucestershire). It didn’t have a lot of bite and it was wet each day and the ball was a bit greasy, but these are the kind of things you come over here for.
“I’m trying to get ahead of the conditions so next time I have the experience.
“It’s all about trying to learn something new every day and I’ll pass on my knowledge to the players.
“They’ve been very keen to come over and ask me questions, so it’s very satisfactory for me to pass on my knowledge. If they can improve their game by five per cent I’ll be very happy.”
India tour England next summer but Ashwin stressed gaining experience of the conditions beforehand was not the reason he came over to play.
The Indian, who is ranked second in the world among bowlers and all-rounders in Test cricket as of 2017, admitted it was always a childhood dream to play county cricket.
Now he has realised his ambition, he wants to help the Pears seal promotion.
“The tour of England next year is definitely at the back of my mind. It’s not the sole purpose of why I’m here.
“I’ve wanted to play county cricket since I was a child because I started playing the game after watching county cricket on TV,” he added.
“I thought it was important to come over here and get experience from it.
“It’s not so much my figures I’m keen on looking at, but trying to make a difference for the team. They’re looking for a promotion push and if I’m able to make a difference I’ll be really happy.
“There’s a lot of talent in the team. Ed Barnard bowled very well (against Glouscestershire) and Brett D’Oliveira batted well, so there’s enough talent in the dressing room.”