Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was surprised to see Ravichandran Ashwin not bowling after tea straight away. The senior Indian spinner did not bowl for more than 20-21 overs allowing Joe Root and Dom Sibley to build on a good partnership. It was a tough day for the Indian bowlers on the park who managed to take only three wickets on day 1 of the first Test. England ended on 263 with skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 128.
Meanwhile, talking to Star Sports, VVS Laxman made his assessment of India’s performance of the first da. He said Ashwin not bowling post-tea was a wrong decision. The off-spinner came onto bowl after as many as 21 overs in the final session.
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VVS Laxman on Ravichandran Ashwin
“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 their main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible” said VVS Laxman.
The former Indian batsman also spoke about India should go about their business of seeing off Joe Root and others on the second day.
“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. Laxman said.
Earlier on day 1, England skipper Joe Root became the third English batsman to score a century in his 100th Test. He added a 200-run stand with Sibley who looked patient for his 87. It was this particular stand that put the visitors on the driver’s seat on the first day.
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