Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the star of the show as India kick-started their WTC 2023-2025 cycle with a resounding triumph over the West Indies. Ravichandran Ashwin, was instrumental in the triumph, claiming an impressive 7 wickets for 71 runs in the second innings. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies for a paltry 130 runs in their second innings, ensuring India’s comprehensive victory.
Dominating from start to finish, India trounced the West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in a mere three-day encounter held in Dominica. This remarkable victory marked India’s most significant innings win margin outside of Asia, showcasing their dominance on foreign soil.
POSITIVE START IN THE MORNING BY VIRAT KOHLI & YASHASVI JAISWAL:
India began the morning session with a solid foundation at 312/2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli displayed an impressive display of batting, showcasing a positive mindset. In particular, Jaiswal unleashed his attacking prowess, dismantling the bowlers with two boundaries and a maximum.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exceptional performance led him to reach the monumental milestone of 150 runs, etching his name into the annals of cricket history. However, just as he set his sights on a maiden double hundred, fate intervened. Jaiswal succumbed to an edge off an Alzarri Joseph delivery, departing for a remarkable 171 runs off 387 deliveries. The crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation, while even the West Indies players acknowledged his remarkable innings.
WEST INDIES TRY TO GAIN SOME MOMENTUM :
After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, the West Indies made a valiant effort to regain some momentum in the game. Jomel Warrican, with his skillful bowling, came close to finding the edge of the formidable Virat Kohli. The vice captain, Ajinkya Rahane, appeared uneasy on the pitch, particularly when facing Warrican, as the bowler nearly breached his outside edge on two occasions.
Unfortunately for Ajinkya Rahane, his struggle was eventually put to an end by the experienced paceman Kemar Roach, who induced an shot that flew straight into the waiting hands of Jermaine Blackwood at covers. The dismissal marked a significant blow to India’s batting lineup.
KOHLI-JADEJA REBUILD WITH A PROACTIVE APPROACH:
After two wickets tumbled hastily, the responsibility fell upon the seasoned pair of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja to reconstruct the innings, and they accomplished precisely that. Amidst the process, Kohli notched up his 29th Half Century in Test Cricket, displaying his mastery.
Ravindra Jadeja, too, showcased his proficiency with the bat, unleashing two boundaries and a maximum in the second hour of the match. However, just after the lunch break, Kohli got a lifeline when wicketkeeper Joshua de Silva dropped him. Nevertheless, his luck ran out shortly after, when he was dismissed on 76 by the resurgent Rahkeem Cornwall. Captain Rohit Sharma promptly declared the innings at 421/5, granting the Windies a daunting 271-run deficit to overcome.
INDIA STRIKE EARLY:
With spinners receiving favorable conditions, Skipper Rohit Sharma made a strategic move by introducing the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja earlier in the innings. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as Ravindra Jadeja swiftly dismissed Tagenarine Chanderpaul, restricting him to a mere 7 runs.
Following suit, Ravichandran Ashwin managed to send West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite back to the pavilion for the same score of 7, triggering a downfall for the West Indies team in the match.
RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN SPINS A BOWLING MASTERCLASS:
In the second innings, the West Indies faced a formidable challenge as Braithwaite fell victim to Ashwin’s mastery once again, shortly followed by the dismissal of Blackwood. The responsibility of rebuilding the West Indies’ innings now rested upon the young shoulders of Alick Athanaze. Athanaze began impressively, displaying his talent by scoring elegant boundaries.
However, the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin eventually emerged victorious in their battle, dismissing the promising youngster after he had scored 28 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin received valuable support from Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed the wickets of Joshua de Silva and Reifer respectively.
Despite former West Indies captain Jason Holder’s attempt to stage a fightback with the lower-order batsmen, Ravichandran Ashwin proved too formidable for them. Ravichandran Ashwin quickly dispatched Alzarri Joseph, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, and Warrican, wrapping up the West Indies’ innings for a mere 130 runs. Jason Holder remained stranded at the other end with 19 runs to his name.
With this India beat the West Indies by an innings and 142 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was named the Man of the Match for his magnificent debut in Test Match Cricket.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE SECOND TEST:
India will be firm favorites in the second test match which will be starting from 20th July in Trinidad considering their Red Hot Form. Fans hope for a fight back from The West Indies team in the Second Match as to make the Series Interesting.
TRIVIA OF THE DAY:
*Ravichandran Ashwin equaled West Indies Legend Malcolm Marshall in terms of the most fifers in Test Matches between India and West Indies (6)
*Ravichandran Ashwin Equals Anil Kumble for the most 10 wicket Hauls in Test Cricket (8)
*7/71 and 12/131 are the Best Figures for Ravichandran Ashwin in an innings and in an Away Test Match Respectively.
*This was India’s biggest victory by an innings margin outside Asia.
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