Mohammed Siraj
Ravichandran Ashwin clout as a complete all-rounder is on an extensive display in the ongoing India vs England second Test in Chennai as the 34-year-old scored his fifth Test century on a tricky Chepauk surface.
The veteran Indian spinner took 134 balls to reach the mark while smashing 13 boundaries and a six in due process as India set England a huge target of 500.
While fans enjoyed how a tailender made batting look easy on a slow surface, it was Mohammed Siraj who won everyone's heart with the way he celebrated his teammates century.
The no.11 was already praised for holding on to one end to allow Ashwin reach the century, by remaining not out on 16 runs off 21 balls in a 49-run last-wicket partnership.
Ashwin scored 106 runs off 148 balls with the help of 14 fours and a six as India's second innings came to an end at 286 in the post-tea session. Mohammad Siraj remained unbeaten on 16, and added 49 runs for the final wicket with Ashwin who was the last wicket to fall.
Earlier, resuming at 54/1 on Day Three, India lost five wickets but added 102 runs to get their lead past 350 in the morning session. The hosts lost the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara (7), Rohit Sharma (26), Rishabh Pant (8), Ajinkya Rahane (10) and debutant Axar Patel (7) in quick succession to give a glimmer of hope to England.
However, skipper Virat Kohli and Ashwin then shared a 96-run stand for the seventh wicket to put India in a commanding position.
Kohli, who showed his class on a Chepauk wicket that aided turn, was the first wicket to fall in the post-lunch session as he was dismissed by Moeen Ali at his individual score of 62. This was the fifth time that Ali had dismissed the Indian skipper in Test cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav (3) and Ishant Sharma (7) also shared eight and 27 run partnerships respectively with Ashwin to frustrate the England bowlers.
India had posted 329 runs in their first innings. The hosts then bowled out England for 134, securing a 195-run lead.
(With inputs from IANS).
