Yashasvi Jaiswal and the spinners stole the spotlight for India on the first day of the series against England. Despite Stokes’ 70, England managed only 246 runs, with India swiftly wiping out 119 of those by stumps.
Led by Jaiswal’s aggressive batting, India capitalized on the inexperience of England’s spinners, posting 119 for 1. The day showcased the effectiveness of India’s bowling attack, including two legendary spinners, in dismissing England on a surface considered friendlier than recent Indian pitches.
Jaiswal dominated the innings, starting with a boundary and a six off debutant Tom Hartley. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin played a crucial role in restricting England’s scoring, with Jadeja dismissing key batsmen.
Despite England’s lower-order contributions, India’s openers, especially Jaiswal, took advantage of half-volleys and short balls, putting the England spinners under pressure. Stokes, relying heavily on spinners due to a lone fast bowler, struggled to control India’s scoring.
In the end, Jaiswal’s unbeaten 76 off 70 balls showcased India’s dominance. The pitch, slowing down as the ball aged, challenged England’s top order, emphasizing the importance of runs against the new ball.
As the series unfolds, England aims to leverage spin with a slightly older ball, hoping to turn the tables. India, on the other hand, has set the stage for an intriguing series, showcasing their ability to excel even in conditions favoring the opposition’s strengths.
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/129253/spinners-jaiswal-give-india-opening-day-honours