Hyderabad, Aug 28: Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned a record 12-wicket haul in India's thumping win over New Zealand in the first Test, said his success was not possible without good support from fellow spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Ashwin's were the best figures (12/85) by an Indian against New Zealand in a Test match.
“Due credit needs to be given to him (Ojha) as well. If one spinner takes the wickets and the other gets carried away then it becomes tougher,” Ashwin said at the post-match press conference here.
“Ojha is someone with whom I've played with for 16 years. We've always enjoyed each other's company. Rather I was a batsman when Ojha was a prime bowler then. But we still used to bowl in one-dayers together. We always bowled well together. We always used to build to pressure very well.”
Ashwin eclipsed Srinivas Venkatraghavan's 47-year-old record (12/152 in Delhi).
“I took a glance at it during the presentation and told S Badrinath look who's down at the second spot. It was on a lighter note. But yes, I was aware of it.”
Ashwin hoped that with their convincing win over the Black Capse would inspire them to do well in the season and leave behind the 0-4 rout in Australia.
“As a whole the team had a tough year. It happens with every team. We put that behind and started on a good note. We hope we will continue and have a great season.”
