Although Kohli declared Ashwin was fit to play, the groin problem prevented him from pivoting at the bowling crease. Despite the lack of sting, he was given 37.1 overs in the England second innings, taking one wicket. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had pointed out that Ashwin was not using his body, crucial for a spinner to get the ball to do extra. Moeen hit those patches (rough) more than Ashwin, as simple as that.”Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was even more hesitant on Thursday though Ashwin played little part in the nets. But he played the last Test in Southampton and bowled really well, and he fielded really well.

Source: Hindustan Times September 07, 2018 14:15 UTC