'Where are daddy hundreds?' - R Ashwin slams commentators for targeting bowlers after Headingley loss

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in defence of the Indian bowling unit following criticism after the team’s defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. Despite setting a formidable target of 370, India couldn’t seal the win as England pulled off a record fourth-innings chase, prompting many to question the effectiveness of India’s bowlers.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pushed back against what he felt was an imbalanced narrative that unfairly blamed the bowlers. “Once 370 was chased down, I thought the commentary became a diss about the Indian bowlers. But with a little homework, many would have realised that in England, scores have been consistently chased down in the 4th innings,” he explained.

Ashwin was also critical of India’s batting, highlighting that the top order failed to build on solid starts despite registering five centuries across both innings. “Batters should take up responsibility. I know batsmen are making runs. Yes, we had five centurions, but where are the daddy hundreds? We must accept that the lower order won’t contribute much with the bat. Our fast bowlers cannot be expected to score runs,” he stated bluntly.

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Ashwin Urges Bowlers to Focus on Economy: "Build Pressure from Day 1"

Ashwin further stressed the importance of control and economy in Test cricket, especially when defending totals in the fourth innings. “In Tests, maidens are underrated. Bumrah can afford a higher economy rate, but the others need to bowl tighter. If you give runs freely early on, you’re forced to go defensive later. You have to build the pressure from Day 1,” he said.

Calling on bowlers to adopt a more disciplined approach, Ashwin added, “If I were Morkel, I’d tell others to focus on bowling tight lines and let Bumrah attack. Against this England side, even two runs per over is as good as bowling a maiden.” Ashwin’s comments offer a stark reminder that while bowlers often face the heat, it takes a collective effort across departments to win Test matches, especially in modern-day England.