There have been a lot of talks over the selection decisions for India’s first Test versus the Windies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Ravi Ashwin, arguably India’s premier spinner in the longer format over the last few years, was left out of the playing eleven. Ravindra Jadeja was included and the move to bench Ashwin raised a lot of eyebrows and drew criticism as well.

After the opening day’s play, Ajinkya Rahane, who was India’s top scorer in the first innings with 81, said that the management tried to find the best combination. The batter said that since Jadeja can bat apart from being effective with the leather in hand, the southpaw found a place in the playing eleven. Jadeja picked up a solitary wicket of debutant Shamarh Brooks in the first innings.

Ravi Ashwin has four Test tons versus the Windies

He also turned up with a well-compiled 58 runs off 122 balls with the help of six fours and one six. In the meantime, Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, reckons that both Ashwin and Jadeja should’ve gotten a chance. He backed his comments saying that both the can bat. Last year, Jadeja scored his maiden Test ton versus the Windies at his home in Rajkot.

As far as Ashwin is concerned, all his four Test tons have come versus the Caribbean team. He also averages 50.18 against them. Chopra took to Twitter and wrote, “In my humble opinion…both Jadeja and Ashwin should’ve played. Play five batsmen plus keeper. Both Jadeja and Ash bat…,”

Here is Aakash Chopra’s tweet

In my humble opinion…both Jadeja and Ashwin should’ve played. Play five batsmen plus keeper. Both Jadeja and Ash bat… #WIvIND https://t.co/yI8xCcypIS

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 24, 2019

India have their noses ahead in the ongoing first Test. The visiting team scored 297 in 96.4 overs. At one point in time, they were in trouble with the score at 25/3. Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli perished cheaply. However, Ashwin and Jadeja injected momentum into the innings.

In their first innings, the Windies couldn’t quite get going. A number of their batters got starts, but no one could convert them into something substantial. Roston Chase top-scored with 48 off 74. For India, Ishant Sharma was the standout performer. The lanky pacer picked up a five-wicket haul.