Surprised by Windies’ lack of fight: Ashwin

It was a contrasting story in the first Test between India and West Indies at Rajkot. On the pitch where India amassed a total of 649 runs with three individual centuries, the West Indies batsmen couldn’t even bat for 100 overs in two innings. This mediocre effort by the visiting team has raised eyebrows everywhere. And Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed surprise at this lack of fight shown by the West Indies’ batting unit.

Believed there would be more partnerships in the second innings: Ashwin

While speaking with the media after the match, Ashwin said that he genuinely believed there would be more fight and partnerships from West Indies in the second innings. He admitted that he was a little surprised.

The Indian spinner noted that the West Indies batsmen came out to attack the spinners and it didn’t work. While replying to India’s humongous score, West Indies were routed for 181 runs in 48 overs while in the second innings they lasted for just 50.5 overs and scored 196 runs.

Ashwin was India’s leading wicket-taker in the first innings and picked four wickets in the first innings and claimed two more wickets in the second innings.

Ashwin disappointed with SG ball

At the same time, the off-spinner admitted that he is disappointed with the SG ball. He explained that the SG balls used to be top notch when he started playing. The seam would be prominent even after 70 overs. Ashwin pointed out that it’s not the same anymore.

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He further added that right now the Kookaburra red ball is the best, and Duke’s is quite good.

Wanted to get the drift back: Ashwin

Ashwin also spoke about his own bowling performance. He said that he just wanted to take off from where he had left in England where he was bowling well. He mentioned that he wanted to get the drift back.

He further explained that he has done the work at NCA and has been running as well. He said he feels much better now but also admitted that he has a long way to go.