Ashwin's 4-fer brings India on driver seat, ENG - 285/9 at stumps on Day 1

The output given by R Ashwin would surely make Kohli regret his decision of having only one spinner on board.

The way England top-order began the first Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, it seemed that India might find themselves at the receiving end right from the first day. However, the third session scripted a different story altogether when Kohli’s men in whites completely overpowered the Englishmen.

After the tea break, Root and Jonny Bairstow resumed the inning at 163/3. In the first few overs, the due troubled the Indians a bit and gradually stitched a partnership of 104 runs for the 4^th wicket. But Virat Kohli’s direct hit changed the face of the game and pushed the home side to backfoot.

Root, who was heading towards to his 12^th Test hundred, fell short of the crease and ended up scoring 80 off 156 balls.

With this crucial wicket, the India bowlers began penetrating the English batting line-up, one after another.

A few balls after Root’s dismissal, Bairstow played on to one of Umesh Yadav’s delivery, going outside the off stump, and ended up scoring 70 off 88 deliveries.

MUST WATCH: When @ashwinravi99 talks about his spin spectacle on Day 1 against England, you cannot help but listen. What went into the making of the R Ashwin show? @RajalArora tries to discover more #TeamIndia #ENGvIND
Full interview link---> https://t.co/HDiPlZMOML pic.twitter.com/ciidWDGFUv

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 2, 2018

By the time, an ample amount of pressure surmounted the hosts which reflected clearly on the leftover batters. Newly appointed vice-captain Jos Buttler could even open his account while Rashid (13) and Broad (1) went back to the dressing room after spending a little time at the crease.

Ben Stokes, who was considered as the key factor in the middle, gave away his wicket to Ashwin in probably one of the silliest manners.

The output given by R Ashwin would surely make Kohli regret his decision of having only one spinner on board. The 31-year-old off-spinner plucked 4 wickets, Shami bagged while Umesh and Ishant had 1-1 each.

#ENGvIND: Root and Bairstow got #England in a strong position, but Ashwin and Shami helped #India take the upper hand at the end of Day 1 at Edgbaston. A quick look at the day's play and India's selection in today's #AakashVani. pic.twitter.com/2TG55CPoAs

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 2, 2018

Earlier, England consolidated their position despite losing Cook early, reaching 83 for one at lunch after opting to bat. Ashwin was the only wicket-taker for India in the pre-lunch session, bowling Cook (13) with a ripper in the ninth over. The ball pitched on middle and turned away to knock back Cook's off-stump.

Great Bolling by Ashwin .
Specially for this one .. pic.twitter.com/a3yZD42wPm

— Waris Cool 🇵🇰 (@thewariscool6) August 2, 2018

Shami struck twice in the second session, dismissing Keaton Jennings (42) and Dawid Malan (8).

By the day end, Sam Curran (24*) and James Anderson (0*) kept the struggle on and will resume the game from 285/9 on Thursday.

England v India First Test Day 1 Highlights

Watch what happened on Day 1 at Edgbaston...

Posted by England Cricket on Thursday, 2 August 2018