Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman, who is an expert for the home broadcasters - Star Sports - expressed his surprise at not seeing Ravichandran Ashwin bowl in the first 20-21 overs in the final session of first day's play in the first Test between India and England.

The former cricketer stated that he expected Ashwin to come on to bowl pretty early after Tea because England captain Joe Root was still batting out there. Root went on to become the ninth player to score a century in his 100th Test match and was all set to make it count remaining unbeaten on 128 at Stumps on Day 1.

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VVS Laxman told Star Sports, "I was a little bit surprised that after Tea for almost 20-21 overs Ashwin did not bowl and that is something which you don't expect when you know Joe Root is there main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible."

Laxman also went on to state that Ashwin will remain India's premier bowler on Day 2 once the new ball, that was just 9.3 overs old after Day 1, gets a bit older. With Ben Stokes joining Root out there in the middle, Ashwin will have his task cut out on Day 2. However, India's first plan will have to be to use the new ball effectively and then bring on the off-spinner.

The 46-year-old said, "I think first use the new ball. This one is just 10 overs old, Bumrah and Ishant will have to be spot on early on, especially with the new batsman coming in, the first 30-40 minutes will set the tone and then Ashwin has to be your primary bowler who will put pressure on the batsmen."

"As far as Nadeem and Washington Sundar is concerned, even though they are not getting wicket they need to play the restrictive role, not give away easy boundaries because if they leak run, a lot of pressure will come on experienced India bowlers," he added.

(With inputs from India Today)