Ashwin's Century Powers India to Dominance on Day 1 of First Test
India started their Test series against Australia on a dominant note, thanks to a magnificent century from veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
The first day of the first Test at Nagpur saw India post a commanding 321/7 at stumps, with Ashwin leading the charge with an unbeaten 113. The day was a testament to his resilience and experience, showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles and situations.
Ashwin's Heroics:
Ashwin's century was his fifth in Test cricket, and it came at a crucial time for India. He walked in at a time when India were struggling at 142/5. His innings, laced with 14 boundaries and a six, were a masterclass in patience, determination, and skillful stroke play. He combined with Axar Patel (84) to build a crucial 200-run partnership for the sixth wicket, completely turning the tide of the match in India's favor.
A Day of Solid Bowling:
While Ashwin's century stole the show, India's bowlers also deserve credit for keeping Australia in check. Mohammed Shami was particularly impressive, picking up 2/59, including the wicket of the dangerous Steve Smith. He bowled with pace and accuracy, and his ability to move the ball both ways made life difficult for the Australian batsmen.
Australia's Struggles:
Australia's batting struggled throughout the day, failing to cope with the turning pitch. They lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Marnus Labuschagne (49) and Usman Khawaja (60) showing any kind of resistance. They will need to find a way to improve their batting performance if they want to stay in the game.
Key Takeaways:
- Ashwin's century was the highlight of the day, demonstrating his versatility and ability to deliver when it matters most.
- India's bowling attack looked sharp and threatening, putting the Australian batsmen under immense pressure.
- Australia's batting needs to improve significantly if they are to challenge India in this series.
This was a day where India asserted their dominance, thanks largely to Ashwin's brilliance. They will be looking to capitalize on their strong start and build a substantial lead on the second day. However, the Australian bowlers will have their work cut out for them to stop India's momentum and prevent a complete collapse.
