Ravichandran Ashwin bowled before Siraj due to moisture in wicket: Jasprit Bumrah

MELBOURNE: India's decision to bring off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin early in the first session of the opening day of the second Test against Australia was prompted by the presence of moisture in the wicket, said India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah on Saturday.

Ashwin was brought into the attack in only the 11th over while debutant fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was not given the ball until the second session. The senior off-spinner impressed as he picked a couple of early wickets, removing Matthew Wade in his second over and then getting rid of Steve Smith in his third, having him caught at leg slip for a duck. Ashwin had also removed Smith in the first innings of the first Test in Adelaide for one.

"When we were bowling in the morning, there was some moisture in the wicket. As you saw Ashwin and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) also got some spin. Because we wanted to make the most of the moisture, we were trying to use that (strategy of bringing in spinners early). He was getting some good bounce as well," said Bumrah while speaking to the media after the first day's play as Indian bowlers bowled out Australia for 195 in the first innings. "Ashwin got turn and that was because of the moisture," he added.

The right-arm pace bowler, who played a key role on the last tour of Australia taking 21 wickets, said Siraj was eager to bowl in the first session itself.

"He was very eager to bowl in the first session. He was waiting for his chance. He has worked really hard, he has come up through the ranks. He is bowling very well. He was in the midst of a good spell. When he came after the first session, there was not a lot happening but he bowled with control. Suddenly he started getting movement. He tried to make the best use of it," said Bumrah who was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning with figures of 4/56. IANS

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