London: India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play for English county side Yorkshire during this year’s County Championship season, the club announced on Thursday (January 16).

Ashwin will travel to England after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. He will play at least eight matches for Yorkshire.

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“Ashwin is scheduled to feature in a minimum of eight County Championship fixtures for the White Rose next season, upon conclusion of his IPL commitments and following a short period of rest at the BCCI’s request,” Yorkshire CCC announced on its website.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Yorkshire, a club with a wonderful history and a fantastic fan base,” Ashwin said.

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He added, “I think our team looks extremely talented with some superb pace bowlers and exciting batsmen. Hopefully my role as the spinner will be a key feature in helping the team achieve success. Headingley has always been a fantastic venue to play at. People speak about the overhead conditions playing a big part so let’s hope for plenty of sun.”

The Chennai spinner said his aim will be to put in all-round performances and help Yorkshire win the title.

“I love playing First-Class cricket and have enjoyed my two previous spells with Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire. My role will be to score runs and take wickets but it will be a collective effort if we are to win the title.

“I feel I have been consistent over a long period of time which has helped my success for India. I’m a deep thinker about the game and bowling in particular and will be researching my opponents carefully to ensure I have the edge,” the 33-year-old said.

He said it is a “wonderful feeling” to follow in the footsteps of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had played for the club. “I know a lot about Yorkshire and to follow in the footsteps of Sachin, who played for the county many years ago is a wonderful feeling for me.”