Mitchell Santner Explains Ravichandran Ashwin's Role In Improving His Bowling

New Zealand bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has revealed Ravichandran Ashwin’s influence in improving his off-spin. Ravichandran Ashwin has established himself as one of the best off-spinners in Test cricket today. Having made his debut in 2011, Ashwin has entrenched himself along with Australia’s Nathan Lyon amongst the greatest of this generation.

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Mitchell Santner is New Zealand’s first-choice spin-bowling option in limited-overs cricket, who has a penchant for delivering overs economically and taking wickets.

However, Santner has not hit the stride while donning the whites, picking up 39 wickets in 22 Tests at 44.72. He endured a forgettable tour of Australia last year, managing only one wicket across two Tests.

While speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Mitchell Santer opened up on his mystery ball named ‘claw’, which is left-arm spinner’s version of carrom ball. He remembered Ravichandran Ashwin’s carrom balls, especially to Neil Wagner when the Kiwis toured India in 2016.

“I remember we were in India for the Test series in 2016, and [R] Ashwin bowled a few carrom balls and I think he got [Neil] Wagner out with a couple,” Santner stated.

The 28-year old further said that when a left-handed batsman bats in New Zealand, the bowler needs to make the ball go the other way. Hence, when Santner tried it, it worked out well for him.

“I just felt like in New Zealand, when a left-hander comes in, you need to be able to make the ball go the other way – something different. I thought I could bring that out and it actually worked pretty well at that time,” Mitchell said.

I’m definitely going to bring it out this year: Mitchell Santner

The left-arm spinner conceded that he was not able to utilize the ‘claw’ variation during the 2019 World Cup due to his swollen finger. It did not allow him to flick it out; however, revealed that he is going to bring it out this year.

“Throughout the World Cup, I had a sore middle finger. It was quite swollen, so I couldn’t flick it out and had to put it [the Claw] away. I’m definitely going to bring it out this year,” Santner remarked.

Mitchell Santner went on to add that one needs to keep practising the delivery for it to come out better. The Hamilton-born left-handed batsman claimed that he would work on disguising it better this winter so it’s not noticeable for the batsmen.

“It’s one of those where you have to keep bowling it because you’re flicking it out. For me, throughout the winter, it’s about bowling it the best way I can and try to disguise it better. The way I bowl, my fingers kind of stick up, so it’s noticeable for the batsmen. So disguising it better is something I’ll work on this winter,” he added.

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