R Ashwin warms up for Australia series with Tamil Nadu club game

R Ashwin could well be playing for India in the 50 over format in the Cricket World Cup in less than three weeks. Before that, he would certainly be in action against Australia in Mohali on Friday. But, ahead of all that, he played club cricket in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

Ashwin bowled his full quota of 10 overs for Mylapore Recreational Club A against Young Stars Cricket Club at SSN ground in the TNCA VAP Trophy.

Batting first, Ashwin’s team posted a total of 285/7 with Mukunth K (78) and Affan Khader M (79) emerging top scorers, whereas Ashwin managed 12 from 17 balls without hitting any boundaries.

Ashwin walks out to bat for MRC A at 192/5 after 38 overs at SSN College ground in the VAP Trophy game against Young Stars CC. pic.twitter.com/3AIED5H4cy

— Sa. Gomesh | ச. கோமேஷ் (@SaGomesh) September 19, 2023

In reply, Young Stars were dismissed for 257 by the 48th over, thanks to Diran VP’s 4 for 59, while Ashwin captured a wicket for 30 in his 10 overs as Mylapore Recreational won by 28 runs.

Mylapore Recreational Club coach Guru Kedarnath praised Ashwin’s performance in the contest and said, “He is a world-class player; no questions about it. The control he had in today’s tie was absolutely fantastic.”

If 37-year-old Ashwin pips a hamstrung Axar Patel in the final 15 of the World Cup, he will be one of the two existing cricketers (other being Virat Kohli), who were part of the historic 2011 squad.