ENG Vs IND: Ravichandran Ashwin Highlights Duke Ball Challenge After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Fielding Woes

Ravichandran Ashwin intervened on behalf of the young star Yashasvi Jaiswal in his recent video on his X account, noting what most critics fail to realise, that Duke ball is not an ordinary red ball. The Indian team may lead in the Headingley test, yet, everything did not go as planned, particularly on the slip cordon. Yashasvi Jaiswal, hitting top-notch with the bat but having a shocker of a game in the field dropping three catches: all of which off the bowling of Jasprit Bhumrah finding some flack on the online scene by fans but Ravichandran Ashwin is having none of it.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Statement

“There has been some talk about his catching at slip cordon. Yes, he has found it tough. But let’s all just understand something — and cut [him] some slack… it’s cold weather and it’s also about the feel of the Duke’s ball. It can take some adaptation time,” Ashwin explained.

Also Read: ENG Vs IND: KL Rahul Predicts ‘TOUGH FINAL DAY’ As Pitch Cracks Open At Headingley

“The SG ball feels nice and comfortable inside the hand, the Kookaburra feels smaller. The Duke’s is harder and definitely, from a field perspective, feels bigger and it’s not easy.”

“He’s been one of the most improved slip fielders that India has had. He has taken some fantastic catches in the recent past… we should give him some time,” Ashwin said.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Performance In England Vs India

Yashasvi Jaiswal had a mixed outing in the 1st Test against England at Headingley. On Day 1, he gave India a good start when he made a good opening stand of 91 runs with KL Rahul and later, scored a hard earned century before being sent off by Ben Stokes in last session. His steadfast batting instilled the strong bat sentence of India in the first innings. Jaiswal though was unable to repeat his second innings game and was sent packing on four runs. His hundred in the first innings helped India gain the first momentum in the Test match although he failed in the second innings.

Also Read: On This Day, June 24: When Sri Lanka Stunned England In A Final-Ball Test Thriller At Headingley