Ashwin is best off-spinner in the world - Graeme Swann

In the ongoing Test series, Ashwin has claimed 8 wickets in 3 Tests, including a four-wicket haul, on tough English conditions

Ahead of the 4^th Test against England in Southampton, former Former England bowler Graeme Swann has termed Ashwin the “best off-spinner in the world”.

During an interview with the Times of India, Swann said, “Ashwin is easily the best off-spinner in the world, his record in the subcontinent is phenomenal and I loved the way he bowled at Edgbaston (in the first Test).”

“Australia’s Nathan Lyon has come up brilliantly and I am impressed by the fact that he has been successful back home. He hasn’t been as effective in England and I would keep Ashwin just ahead of him because of the variations that he has, in addition to being brilliantly consistent,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the key off-spinners of team India. After playing 218 international matches for the country, he has scalped over 500 wickets across all the formats. Though the recent dominance of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav has almost closed the doors for Ashwin (along with Ravindra Jadeja) in the limited-overs format, he keeps on proving mettle in the longest form of the cricket.

In the ongoing Test series, Ashwin has claimed 8 wickets in 3 Tests, including a four-wicket haul, on tough English conditions. He also managed to Ashwin managed to keep his place in the squad while Kuldeep has been replaced.

England is currently leading the 5-match series 2-1. The 4^th Test will commence on Thursday at The Rose Bowl cricket ground in Southampton.