 "Taking five wickets was not on my mind, says Ravichandran Ashwin")
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who on Saturday bowled India to a 200-run lead against England with his career's 22nd five wicket haul, said he only wanted to bowl to his strength.
Ashwin returned with figures of 5/67 as England were bowled out for 255 in their first innings shortly before the tea break at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium here.
He caused plenty of trouble for the English duo Ben Stokes (70) and Jonny Bairstow (53) on a pitch which does not have too much grass.
Ashwin, who scored a half-century in India's first essay, ripped through the English batting line-up as India ended the third day with a healthy 298-run lead in the second innings.
"Hadn't had a five-wicket haul against England, but it was not at the top of my mind. I knew I would get it if I stuck to what I do right. The challenges are actually a hassle for the batsmen. Not every ball spins," Ashwin said after the match.
He explained about the plan which he and Skipper Virat Kohli discussed to dismiss Joe Root (53).
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"I was in the middle of a very good rhythm. I told Virat I will get Root out caught out at short midwicket. Virat said let's get mid-on up and make him go for a slog sweep. I thought the moment he steps out I was going to go wider. That worked," Ashwin said.
"The last wicket was slow so I changed my action to create more air space. It is not about trials, it is about having the heart to try it in the middle of the game. I am sure I have it," he added.