Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin spun a web around Australia with the ball to script India’s innings and 132-run victory in the opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at VCA Stadium, Nagpur.
Jadeja ran through the Australian batting line-up in the first innings, picking a five-wicket haul (5-47) to bundle out the visitors for a paltry 177.
After India took a massive first-innings lead of 223 runs, it was Ashwin’s turn to demolish the Aussies with the ball. The veteran off-spinner returned with the figures of 5 for 37 in his 12 overs as the hosts bowl out the tourists for a mere 91 to finish the match inside three days.
Speaking after the game, Ashwin heaped praise on his long-time spin twin, stating that he is thankful to have got a bowling partner like Jadeja.
“I’m so thankful for the fact that I’ve got a partner like him to be bowling alongside me,” Ashwin told Star Sports.
“(Bowling with Jadeja) Massive help is an understatement. He’s been in phenomenal form. The way he’s batted, the way he’s bowled and we don’t have to talk about how well he moves in the field,” he added.
Ashwin also lauded the latest inclusion to India’s spin powerhouse – Akshar Patel.
“Akshar is no ordinary bowler either. We’ve got a very good set of spinners and all of us who can bat.”
India took less than a session to bowl out Australia for 91 in the second innings.
“You know how things work from the third day onwards here in Test matches. I’d credit the batting unit, they really dug deep and kept them on the field for a long while. It’s going to be tough for the team coming out and bat. The early wickets really set the tone today,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin took three wickets in Australia’s first innings on Day 1 and then came out to bat at No. 3 as a nightwatchman.
“I’ve really struggled to cope up with sitting inside and watching the guys bat sometimes,” Ashwin said on batting up the order. “I am too nervous these days. I’ve been asking them for an opportunity to go out and bat early if there’s an opportunity and it presented itself. My friend Pujara just let it go, he said I need a nightwatchman, 20 minutes to go.’ I took the opportunity gladly.”
While the Australian media accused the hosts of doctoring the surface, Ashwin said that the Nagpur track had no demons.
“I thought this wicket was quite slow. You need to get the batsman driving on this. Getting them to drive was a good way for me to lure them into shots and induce the other half of the bat as well. The carry and bounce seemed a little low.”
(The Indian Express Inputs)
