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Ashwin claimed his 500th Test wicket in the third match against England to join a rare list of legends.
De Villiers heaped praise on the 37-year-old and said, ”What a fantastic achievement! Congratulations Ash, you are one of the toughest bowlers I have ever played against – an incredible asset for the Indian cricket team with both bat and ball.
”He’s been a stalwart, but not always getting enough credit for what he is and the role he plays in the Indian team. What a legend!” De Villiers advised England’s batters to stay positive and use their feet a lot more against Ashwin in the remaining two Tests of the five-match series.
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”The one thing that stands out is he’s (Ashwin) a tall guy, so he’s got natural variation and bounce. He’s got subtle changes with his wrist – undercut more and get over the top a little bit more,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
”He’s also got the carrom ball and the leg-spin – bowls all kinds of deliveries. However, his strength is his accuracy, knowledge of the game and patience.
”Putting pressure on him is the best way to counter him. Make him guess the lengths he needs to bowl.
”You can do that by coming down the wicket, staying back deep in your crease, giving yourself a bit of room, coming across to the offside and working him to the leg side.”
‘Jaiswal will be tested in different conditions around the world’
De Villiers also praised young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who slammed a double hundred in the second innings in Rajkot.
”What an incredible player! Very aggressive batting, and it makes the game look so easy. He’s so good on the eye. He’s always got the pressure on the bowlers; always looking to pounce.
”As an opening batter, he looks fantastic for the future, and he will be tested in different conditions around the world. But, he has undoubtedly got the ability, talent, skills and the mindset to counter whatever the challenges come his way,” de Villiers said.