Ravichandran Ashwin honoured to be compared to Don Bradman by Steve Waugh

Star Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said it's an honour to be compared to the great Don Bradman by Steve Waugh. The former Australian captain had recently waxed eloquent on the No.1 all-rounder in the world, saying Ashwin's statistics were "mind-boggling."

"Ashwin is basically the Bradman of bowling. What he is doing is quite incredible. I think he is the player we have to overcome," Waugh had said. "The Australians would have to look at ways to overcome Ashwin's bowling. If Aussies can do that then we will have a chance. The guys need to stay calm under pressure. The way he is playing at the moment, he is going to break a number of records. Ashwin's statistics are just mind-boggling."

Reacting to this generous applause, the Tamil Nadu lad said he was honoured and that he would strive to give his best at all times.

"It’s obviously a great honour when one legend of the game compares you with the best to have ever played the game," said Ashwin. "Steve Waugh is one captain I have admired over the years and grew up watching him lead a near-invincible Australian side. He raised the bar for other skippers. This accolade will be hard to live up to but I will strive earnestly to ensure my performance graph is always high."

With the four-match Test series against Australia right around the corner, such high praise from a legend like Waugh will surely give immense confidence to Ashwin.