NEW DELHI: Premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is hoping of representing India one last time in the ODI World Cup on home soil, fine-tuned his preparations, bowling a full quota of 10 overs in a club game before joining the national team for the forthcoming 3-match series against Australia.
If the 37-year-old Ashwin manages to secure a a spot in the final 15 for the World Cup, pipping an injured Axar Patel, he will second player after Virat Kohli from the the historic 2011 squad.
Someone, who has always been a dedicated club cricketer even after becoming an international star, it wasn't surprising to find Ashwin turn up for Mylapore Recreational Club A against Young Stars Cricket Club at SSN ground in the TNCA VAP Trophy here on Tuesday.
Ashwin's team was asked to bat first, which posted a total of 285 for 7, with Mukunth K (78) and Affan Khader M (79) being the top scorers, whereas Ashwin managed 12 from 17 balls without hitting any boundaries.
In reply, the Young Stars were bundled for 257 by the 48th over, thanks to Diran VP's 4 for 59, while Ashwin captured a wicket for 30 in his 10 overs as Mylapore Recreational won by 28 runs.
Mylapore Recreational Club coach Guru Kedarnath was all praise for Ashwin's performance in this contest and said, "He is a world-class player; no questions about it. The control he had in today's tie was absolutely fantastic."
India's three ODIs against Australia start on Friday in Mohali, followed by the remaining two fixtures on September 24 (Indore) and 27 (Rajkot).
(With inputs from PTI)
