Bangladesh play like lions in their own den, says impressed India spinner Ashwin

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Bangladesh’s aggression saying they are like lions in their own den.

In recent times, Bangladesh have performed with complete authority in their backyard, mirroring home domination of the best teams in the world.
 
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and his men have lost only one of their last 17 matches in Bangladesh with three consecutive series wins - against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India.
 
“Now we have a purpose of coming back to Bangladesh… knowing that a team can play like lions in their own den,” Ashwin said in a press conference on Tuesday.
 
“We have to come back here and take them really really seriously, and try and see how well we can combat the conditions here.”
 
Having lost the first two ODIs against Bangladesh to surrender the series, India now desperately want a win to salvage some pride and confidence.
 
“That’s a challenge and that’s what is exciting about international cricket. When you face challenges and come on top, that’s what gives you the kick.”
 
The hosts are on the verge of a third successive ODI series whitewash after a 5-0 hammering of Zimbabwe and 3-0 rout of Pakistan.
 
India lost the first match by 79 runs and the second by six wickets raising hopes in Bangladesh of another clean sweep.
 
When faced with the question of a whitewash, the talismanic spinner seemed unaware of the term.
 
After being explained that a clean sweep of the series is called a whitewash and that in Bangladesh it is termed ‘Banglawash’, he said with a smile, “We will try and avoid a Banglawash.”
 
The third and final ODI is set for 3pm local time on Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.