England vs India 2018: 3 Things we learned from India’s loss at Edgbaston

#2 Ashwin has ‘turned’ a corner

Ashwin proved his critics wrong

Before the test began, Kuldeep Yadav seemed destined to play his part at Edgbaston. However, Ravichandran Ashwin was given the nod ahead of him and he didn’t disappoint.

Ashwin has long been criticised for not making the desired impact overseas. He was unconvincing in England in 2014 and did not cover himself in glory on India’s tour to South Africa at the start of the year. Hence, when Ashwin started ahead of Kuldeep, it raised a few eyebrows. But Ashwin, being the champion he is, answered his critics with the ball.

He started the test in wonderful fashion, removing Alastair Cook with a beautifully bowled off-spinner. His other victims in the first innings were Broad, Buttler and Stokes.

In the second innings, he got rid of Cook in similar fashion before getting the scalps of Jennings and Root.

The most impressive aspect of his bowling was the manner in which he deceived the batsmen.

He was willing to ‘flight’ the ball at all times, relying on deception in the air over turn off the pitch. If he continues in the same vein, England would have their hands full tackling him for the rest of the series.

The most encouraging aspect of India’s loss has to be Ashwin’s performance. After years of facing the wrath of critics, he might just have silenced his doubters for good.