MS Dhoni is all praise for R Ashwin

MS Dhoni is happy for Ravichandran Ashwin's performances lately. "Ashwin is a thinking cricketer. His performance went down a bit and he was criticised for doing too many things, but I am glad he has come back well and he is an asset. I have used him in all slots - from first to ten overs or in death. Good for me he makes my job slightly easier when my fast bowlers did not do well. I have relied upon him. He's been great," Dhoni was all praise for Ashwin ahead of team's departure for the tour of Australia.

"I am glad you said conditions are different for the spinners' performance in subcontinent and outside. (Ravi) Ashwin is our premier spinner and it is good to have (Ravindra) Jadeja back. The two spinning all rounders will be competing for a spot. Axar (Patel) has also played well in domestic cricket." Dhoni added.

The skipper also welcomed fast bowler Mohammed Shami's return to the side.