Ravichandran Ashwin had an enjoyable Test debut. Two wickets on Day One brought a big smile to his face and he basked in the good start.
"I'd never planned anything and just went out and enjoyed the game. There were greats of the game on the field who didn't let me feel any pressure," Ashwin told HT.
"It was good to take two on a wicket which had nothing. My idea was just to bowl at the wicket and it paid dividends."
He snared two key batsmen, Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels. Both were left confused. "The key is get them all out early."
While the focus was on R Ashwin as he looked to step into the shoes of Harbhajan Singh, it was left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha who claimed the initial honours. Ojha is adept at drying up runs at one end but had not enjoyed being dubbed a defensive bowler.
Early strike
On Sunday, he struck off his very second over, after being brought on after just nine overs. Ojha last played a Test a year ago, and did not get a chance in West Indies or England. But he was ready when the moment presented itself.
He explained how his county stint this season had proved invaluable. "As a professional there, you are expected to win matches. That expectation gives you a lot of confidence," he said. Calls to elder statesmen Anil Kumble and Harbhajan meant Ojha was ready to banish the impression that he can only contain.
{{/usCountry}}He explained how his county stint this season had proved invaluable. "As a professional there, you are expected to win matches. That expectation gives you a lot of confidence," he said. Calls to elder statesmen Anil Kumble and Harbhajan meant Ojha was ready to banish the impression that he can only contain.
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