Premier India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play a first-class game for Surrey on Sunday at the Oval against Somerset.
Ashwin, who was on a break in the UK like the rest of his India teammates after the World Test Championship final, has played for Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire in the past.”I am so privileged to be having the badge on. I have heard and wondered what the London counties are all about. Even though it’s only for a game, I am delighted to share this dressing room,” said Ashwin.
The contest will give Ashwin valuable match practice before the five-Test series against India starting August 4. The Oval will host the fourth game of the India-England series.
Australia pacer Sean Abbott was originally expected to be Surrey’s second overseas player in this fixture, alongside Hashim Amla, but a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Gloucestershire ended his time at the Oval early, Surrey said in a statement.
Ashwin has been in fine form in red-ball cricket of India ever since he led India’s bowling attack in their memorable series win in Australia. The off-spinner picked up 4 wickets in the World Test Championship final which India lost by 8 wickets to New Zealand.
