Australia vs India 2018-19: 5 reasons why India won the first Test

#2 Ashwin does a perfect job of a stock bowler

The off-spinner bowled more than 70 overs in the game

India went in with three quicks and a lone spinner in R Ashwin to strengthen their batting order with as many as six batters and a wicket-keeper. This meant the spinner had to do the bulk of the bowling with other fast bowlers being rotated from the other end. Ashwin, who was on his third tour down under, felt confident before the start of the Test series.

The off-spinner was determined to make amends to his past exploits in this part of the world. He banked upon on his experience and proved to be a worthy selection for the visitors. He held one end tight to not only build pressure but also account for wickets at crucial junctures of the game.

He bagged three wickets in the first innings for almost nothing of his bowling. He was India’s trump card in the 2nd innings and did some early damage by dismissing Finch and Khawaja to push the hosts on the backfoot.