1st Test Day 1: Ashwin's Century Leads India to Dominance
India started their Test series against Australia on a dominant note, with Ravichandran Ashwin's magnificent century setting the tone for a strong first day at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Ashwin's Heroic Century:
The veteran off-spinner, playing his 100th Test match, was the star of the day, smashing a brilliant 128 runs off 219 balls. His innings was a masterclass of patience and aggression, as he expertly navigated the Australian bowling attack and kept the scoreboard ticking over at a steady pace. Ashwin's innings was studded with 17 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcasing his impressive hitting prowess.
India's Strong Start:
India's strong start was further evident from the opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. The two openers put on a 121-run stand, setting the foundation for a big first innings total. Rohit Sharma, who had an indifferent run in the recently concluded ODI series, looked in good form, scoring a composed 56 before falling to Nathan Lyon. KL Rahul, however, continued his good form from the ODIs, finishing the day on 89 not out.
Australian Bowling Struggles:
The Australian bowlers were clearly off their game on the first day. Lyon, who has been a thorn in India's side in the past, looked ineffective and finished with figures of 1/91. The rest of the Australian bowlers were unable to contain the Indian batsmen, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc going wicketless.
A Day of Dominance:
India's dominance was clear throughout the day, with the team ending the day on a strong 321/7. With Ashwin's century, India had a strong platform to build upon, and it will be interesting to see how they fare on Day 2.
Key Takeaways:
- Ravichandran Ashwin's century was the highlight of the day, showcasing his all-round brilliance.
- India's strong start, thanks to the opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, set the tone for a dominant day.
- The Australian bowlers struggled to find their rhythm and looked ineffective against the Indian batsmen.
The first day of the Nagpur Test has set the stage for an exciting contest. India will be looking to maintain their dominance on Day 2, while Australia will be hoping for a much-needed turnaround.
