Xtra Time Web Desk: Ravichandran Ashwin took a five-fer (5/47) as India thrashed Australia by an innings and 132 runs to go 1-0 ahead in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Australian batters meekly surrendered against the spin of Ashwin and Jadeja as they were bundled out for 91 runs in 32.3 overs near Tea Time on Day 3 of the first test match at Nagpur. The stars of the test match were India captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a brilliant hundred (120 off 212 balls) on Day 2. Comeback man Ravindra Jadeja took 7 wickets in the match including a five-fer in the first innings (5/47 & 2/34) and also scored a valuable 70 runs. While Axar Patel smashed a career best 84 runs. Ashwin picked his 31st five wicket haul in Test cricket.
India posted 400 runs in the first innings, taking a lead of 223 runs. Mohammed Shami played some attacking strokes as he scored 37 runs off 47 balls, His knock included 2 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Aussies did not have a great start to their second innings either as Usman Khawaja was caught by Kohli off Ashwin in the second over. Ravindra Jadeja gave an important breakthrough as he picked the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne.
Warner, who was dropped by Virat Kohli in the slips was adjudged leg before to Ashwin.
Matt Renshaw did not last long as managed to score only 2 before being sent back by the Indian off spinner. Ashwin wasn’t done yet and he trapped Peter Handscomb lbw soon after to leave Australia reeling. The experienced spinner got rid off Alex Carey to equal Anil Kumble’s record of most five-wicket hauls for India.
Jadeja picked the prized wicket of Marnus Labuschagne and also had Australian captain Pat Cummins caught behind by KS Bharat. Mohammed Shami finished off the tail by picking the last two wickets.
The second test will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from February 14.