R Ashwin learning from Sri Lankan spinners for better performance in England

R Ashwin during the ICC World T20 2014

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who’s successful bowling has been limited to matches at home is now trying to ride the tide high in the upcoming England tour for the five-match Test series starting from July 9.

After consecutive failures in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand earlier, Ashwin is gearing up for his first tour to England by following the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and England and is trying to take a cue from the visiting team's slow bowlers.

Ashwin said on Tuesday that though his preparations were on track and that he has to be "smart" in his approach and avoid "desperation".

"I haven't planned anything but I have charted some preparation and it's going well. I'm just going to go and enjoy my game because I don't think desperation works. I have to be smart about what I'm doing. I've been watching the England-Sri Lanka series, and since Lanka is a sub-continental team like us, I am trying to see what advantage I can take of what is existing there. Although (Rangana) Herath is a left-arm spinner and I'm an off-spinner, I'm trying to pick up what he had to offer," Ashwin said.

After being whitewashed by England last time around, Ashwin felt not many players would carry the scars from India's previous tours and is confident of the team’s batting.

"Our batsmen did well in the IPL. We have no baggage to carry. We'll just look to enjoy our game. It's important, though, to start well. If we can jot down something from our tour games, it will be good," he felt.

Ravichandran, the proud father of the off-spinner was emotionally chocked up during a special event for Father's Day where he said, a Railways employee like himself, cricket was a dream which he fulfilled through his son.

"Due to our financial conditions, I wasn't able to be a cricketer. However, I didn't want Ashwin to miss out. Even his mother wanted him to play for India," said Ravichandran, before almost breaking down.

"He is a bold, intelligent guy. He is tough to compete with,” he complimented.