Will India Enforce The Follow-On? - Ravichandran Ashwin Answers

India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed whether the hosts’ will enforce the follow-on or not against South Africa in the second Test match at Pune. The Virat Kohli-led side was able to skittle out the Proteas at 275 runs in the first innings and the visitors are still in arrears by 326 runs. Thus, the Indian skipper has the opportunity to enforce the follow-on.

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In fact, no team has enforced the follow-on against South Africa in the last decade. The last team to do the same was England in the 2008 Test match at Lord’s. On the other hand, India has never enforced the follow-on against South Africa in the history of Test cricket. Hence, Virat Kohli will have the opportunity to change that stat when two teams will take the field on a penultimate day.

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Virat Kohli will think overnight whether they should enforce the follow-on or bat again. Ashwin stated that it is also important to manage the workload of the bowlers as they bowled 105.4 overs.

Ravichandran Ashwin said in the post-day press conference, “At least, I haven’t thought about the follow-on. I think the captain will decide overnight on what he should be doing. It is also important, how bowlers recover tomorrow morning.”

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin was once again the pick of the Indian bowlers as he scalped four wickets. Ashwin was able to get the big wicket of Faf du Plessis who scored 64 runs. The talisman off-spinner also sent back Keshav Maharaj who top-scored with 72 runs.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s lower order refused to throw in the towel as Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj added 109 runs for the ninth wicket. Ashwin added that no tailenders are a mug with the bat these days.

Ashwin added, “I think the myth of tail-enders is over-stated and when someone bats well, he bats well. Nowadays, nobody is really a mug with the bat. In our team also, everybody bats pretty well till No 11.”

It would be interesting to note India’s strategy on the fourth day’s play. The hosts’ are in a commanding position and Virat Kohli might bat again to give rest to his bowlers.

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