Updated August 4th, 2021 at 20:37 IST
England vs India: R Ashwin's omission from first test leaves fans completely surprised
R Ashwin was expected by many to be a key player for India during the upcoming England-India test series, however, Virat Kohli left the player out of the XI.
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R Ashwin, the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in test matches was expected by many to be a key player for India during the much awaited test series against England but skipper Kohli's team selection left Wasim Jaffer and other fans completely surprised.
No Ashwin?! #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/JC3buwzdH6
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
The pitch at Trent Bridge is known for assisting the seam bowlers and for the same reason team India decided to play an extra pacer and went with Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner leaving Ashwin out of the team. Jadeja is seen as a more complete all-rounder, who can contribute with the bat and in the field too.
Here are some fans reacting on Twitter about Ashwin's exclusion for the First test between England and India:
One player who showed intent by smashing a hundred on a turning track in Chennai and even played a County game to prepare for the tour during break period is going to warm the bench at Nottingham. Nobody has showed more intent than Ashwin. Has done everything the team asks for.
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets)
Ashwin was the best bowler of the WTC final
— AD (@cricadharsh)
Ashwin took time off to play a county match when others were holidaying, took a 6 fer
Dropped because Rahane and co can't offer stability with the bat. I actually trust Ashwin with the bat note than Rahane. Scored a 100 too recently
Will you drop #ICC Test Rank#2 batsman citing #English conditions in spite of good form?#Cricket Hierarchy: Batsmen > Pace Bowlers > All Rounders > Spinners
— JV (@jv84john)
Only Test player who has been consistently delivering for #India in recent past #DROPPED#ViratKohli #IndvsEng #Ashwin
England vs India: Story so far
England won the toss at Trent Bridge and elected to bat first. India were off to a good start with Jasprit Bumrah striking in the very first over by getting Rory Burns out leg before. Rory Burns opted to go for the DRS which matched the umpire's call. The Indian pacers continued to bowl well but Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley held their ground.
England however, lost another wicket just before lunch with Zak Crawley falling to Moahmmed Siraj, caught behind by Rishabh Pant. India now head into the lunch break happier among the two sides, but know they have a huge task at hand in the second session.
What a start for #TeamIndia in The Test Series..!!!#JaspritBumrah gets #RoryBurns in the Very First Over 🔥🔥#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/saUiZas3On
— Thyview (@Thyview)
India playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
England playing XI: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (Captain), Jonny Bairstow, Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Image: PTI/Twitter
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Published August 4th, 2021 at 20:37 IST