India outclassed the West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The visiting side failed to put up a show against the No.1 Test side as India dominated the entire contest and registered their biggest innings win at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
The visiting batsmen had no answer to the Indian bowling as they succumbed and fell for 181 and 196 runs in their first and second innings respectively. While Kuldeep Yadav took a maiden five-for in the last innings, Ashwin took six wickets in the match including a 4/37 in West Indies' first innings. However, his returns of 2/71 at an economy of close to four runs-an-over seemed below-par for someone of Ashwin's class. Suitably after the win, Ashwin didn't waste a moment in lambasting the SG cricket ball that is used in first-class matches played in India.
"The Kookaburra white ball seam is a lot more narrow these days, doesn't swing much and doesn't grip as well. That's where the adaptation is very important, we didn't get much time to do that. Right now I would say Kookaburra red ball is a lot better ball, Dukes is also right up there. Pretty disappointed with the current SG ball. It used to be top-notch, the seam used to stand up strong even after 70-80 overs. It's not the same anymore," said Ashwin.
His teammate Kuldeep too termed the SG ball 'okay' as compared to the Kookaburra.
"It's very difficult to bowl with the red ball straightaway when you are coming from white ball cricket. Sometimes it takes time to adjust. Kookaburra red ball is good to grip. SG is okay at the moment," Kuldeep had said earlier.
Earlier, India rode on debutant opener Prithvi Shaw's 134, skipper Virat Kohli's 139 and Jadeja's unbeaten 100 to put a huge 649/9 on board.
The second and final Test of the series will be held from October 12 in Hyderabad.
(With IANS inputs)
