INDIAN spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said wanting to 'test himself' was behind his decision to join Worcestershire.

Ashwin has been brought into replace injured fast bowler John Hastings for the last four games of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two season.

The off-spinning all-rounder spoke to the media at the end of day two of the county's clash with Gloucestershire, in which Worcestershire are in a strong position.

Ashwin said: "The boys have made me feel very welcome, which is really important.

"I have heard a few things about New Road from people, that it is a difficult place to bowl so I thought I wanted to test myself.

"I watched county cricket on TV when I was growing up and I always wanted to play here.

"Worcestershire were the first party to offer me a deal and that is very important to me."

When asked about his performance today, in which he took 3-94 off 29 overs, he added: "I do not pay much attention to the figures, I am just hoping to help push the team towards promotion.

"It is a very slow pitch with not much bounce.

"The ball was wet and a bit greasy, making it difficult to grip the ball, these are the kind of conditions I want to test myself in."

Ashwin's arrival in county cricket, along with Cheteshwar Pujara at Nottinghamshire signals a push from Indian cricket ahead of the series in England to get them acclimatised to conditions.

Ashwin added: "It (next summer's series) is in the back of my mind, I have always wanted to play county cricket and that is what I am concentrating on.

"If we (Pujara and Ashwin) playing in this country helps youngsters take up the sport or follow county cricket then great, I don't know if it will have an impact."

Ashwin was also shown to be using his experience during the day, helping young all-rounder George Rhodes to set his field.

He continued: "I will try and lend my experience to some of the younger players whilst I am here."

Worcestershire closed on 10-0, for an overall advantage of 115.