Disappointed Ashwin unhappy with SG ball as India win
Hosts India recorded their biggest innings victory by defeating West Indies inside three days of the first Test match in Rajkot. The tourists managed 181 in reply to India's 649-9, before getting out for 196 in the second innings. R Ashwin, who picked 6 wickets in the match, is unhappy with the SG red ball. Here's more.
SG ball isn't the same anymore
Despite India's biggest win in Tests, Ashwin seemed unhappy with the SG ball and said it isn't the same as it used to be before. "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.
Ashwin praises the Kookaburra and Dukes ball
Ashwin prefers Kookaburra and the Dukes ball in Test cricket. "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."
Kuldeep also reveals his opinion about the SG ball
Kuldeep Yadav, who starred with the ball with 5 wickets in the second innings, found the SG ball okay but praised 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."
Ashwin surpasses Donald in terms of Test wickets
Ashwin bowled well and now has 333 Test scalps. He surpassed the legendary pacer Alan Donald in terms of Test wickets. Ashwin sits on 24th spot in the list of bowlers with the most number of Test wickets.