Mason makes most of Ashwin stardust
Chris Oldnall speaks to Worcestershire’s coach after seeing a world-class spinner in county action
Matt Mason underlined the massive influence Ravi Ashwin is having on Worcestershire’s players following the Indian star’s eagerly awaited debut against Gloucestershire at New Road.
Delighted New Road bowling coach Mason said: “He’s totally professional and loves his cricket. He’s already sharing his knowledge and our guys are hanging on his every word.”
World clas all-rounder Ashwin, 30, scored a classy 36 in promotion-chasing Worcestershire’s first innings total of 363 which also contained half centuries from Brett D’Oliveira (93) and Ben Cox (61).
After becoming one of four victims for paceman Liam Norwell he claimed three wickets when Gloucestershire replied with 258 – a hard-earned tally which included 101 not out from Jack Taylor.
Former New Road skipper Daryl Mitchell then scored 130 and figured in a half century partnership with Ashwin (28) before Worcestershire left the visitors a daunting 401 victory target by declaring on 295-8.
Mason saluted Ashwin for his contribution to Worcestershire’s overall performance, saying: “It’s an unbelievable signing by our director of cricket Steve Rhodes. He’s such an iconic player in world cricket.
“For him to be at our club, in the little corner of England that we occupy, is terrific. Not just for the players who play here, but for all the supporters of the county as well.
“When we were told of the signing the first word most people said was ‘unbelievable’ and how did we manage to do that. So credit must go to Steve for the way he manages to get these players to our club.
“Even for someone like myself as a coach I’m also excited to see him perform first hand.
“You see these guys on television and learn about them, but it’s not until they get here and you get a relationship with them that you understand what they’re all about.
“But you only have to have a look in the world of social media that he’s got five and a half million twitter followers out there.
“People obviously care about this man and what he does.
“It’s great that we have got him for four games and, who knows, relationships here get formed very well and we might see him back here again.”