Following his heroics in the SCG Test against Australia on Monday, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that Test cricket teaches a lot about life. He went on to add the important lesson he took away from the famous draw at the SCG - it does not matter if you are bruised and battered, it is important to hang in there.
Tweeting after the Sydney Test, Ashwin wrote: "Doesn't matter if you are bruised and battered, just hang in there and you will have an opportunity to fight another day!! Test cricket teaches you life!! #SydneyTest A big thanks to my team and well wishers.”
Earlier, Ashwin's wife Prithi had revealed that the spinner was experiencing a lot of pain when he woke up in the morning, and wasn't even able to stand up properly. Prithi tweeted in praise of her husband:
"The man went to bed last night with a terrible back tweak and in unbelievable pain. He could not stand up straight when he woke up this morning. Could not bend down to tie his shoelaces. I am amazed at what @ashwinravi99 pulled off today.”
Replying to the tweet, Ashwin wrote: "Instant tears!! Thanks for being there with me through all this."
Despite the pain, Ashwin went into bat with India in trouble at 272 for 5 and faced 128 balls for his unbeaten 39. Ashwin gave company to another warrior, Hanuma Vihari, who batted despite a hamstring injury, and faced 161 balls for his defiant 23.
As a pair, Ashwin and Vihari batted out 258 balls (2.5 hours) to take India to Gabba with the series level 1-1.
Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane praise the entire unit following the hard fought draw at the SCG, and described the draw as good as a win.
"I'm really happy for Rishabh. The way he batted today was really special. Vihari was batting really well. Today we all saw a special knock. This was more special than his hundred. To show that hunger, to show that character, it's all about what the team needs.
This is as good as winning a test match. Credit to Vihari, Ashwin, Pujara, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit. About intent, everyone has their own style of showing their intent", said Rahane.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
