Ravichandran Ashwin was already warming up 45 minutes into the opening day's play. He was introduced into the attack in the 11th over. This was not a dry turning pitch in Asia. It was a well-grassed surface with a tinge of moisture.

Not many captains would have turned to a spinner, but Ajinkya Rahane went with his instinct. It took Ashwin close to five minutes to bowl his first over as he ensured each of his fielders were in right positions. Two overs later, Ashwin had Matthew Wade skying a catch to wide mid-on.