Ravichandran Ashwin has given the Indian cricket team the much-needed start to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, especially after the beating they took in Adelaide a week ago.

Getting opener Matthew Wade’s wicket early on Day 1, Ashwin went on to get the most important Australian wicket of Steve Smith for a duck in the 15th over as he made him toss up a simple catch to Cheteshwar Pujara standing behind him.

#AUSvsIND
OUT! Wade out. Ashwin strikes.. pic.twitter.com/IOO0AokOLr

— Abhishek .(Abhi) (@Cold___Mess) December 26, 2020

He also removed Aussie skipper Tim Paine from the middle with a delivery similar to the one he used to dismiss Smith as this time, as it was Hanuma Vihari who caught the ball on the final ball of 63rd over.

Smith duck

Ashwin #INDvAUS
pic.twitter.com/GSw3f2n9yh

— மனிதன் (@castro_fiedel) December 26, 2020

Not only is Ashwin taking crucial wickets for his side, but he has also managed to put a cork on Australia’s ability to make runs.  

Having bowled more 23 overs Ashwin’s economy of 1.30 makes him the most efficient weapon for Rahane. 

Ashwin gives India the important wicket of Tim Paine as Australia lost their 7th wicket. Vihari took a good catch. Ashwin gets his third. So India in complete control in MCG.

Live https://t.co/5ltITDBGRa#AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/tASQoxL42y

— Cricket Punch (@PunchCricket) December 26, 2020

Ahead of the beginning of the Test series Down Under, there was a lot of noise against BCCI’s decision to pick Ashwin for the four-match red-ball cricket but as days go by, all those haters are quickly disappearing and new supporters are beginning to emerge.

Ashwin showed his classic act again.. Dismissed number one test batsman for a duck🦆.. #BoxingDayTest

— Surya (@Surya73377) December 26, 2020

Kohli said his absence will provide an opportunity for new characters to step up. Ashwin has already done it. Over to Pujara and Rahane. Ashwin really looked like the bowling captain today.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) December 26, 2020

Test cricket is the most unpredictable format. Australia finished in 195 lol. Bumrah,ashwin and siraj mass

— Vatsala Baheti (@vatsala_baheti) December 26, 2020

Loool.. Australia are 100 runs behind par here. India's golden chance to make a comeback in this series.

Ashwin and Bumrah class but I will praise Rahane even more, brilliant captaincy

— Don Mateo (@Mateofucknows) December 26, 2020

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