Overview:
India skipper Rohit Sharma would be keen to make a mark. Rohit Sharma is under scrutiny after a horrendous performance in WTC 2021-23 final. The Test series between India & West Indies is set to commence on 12th July.
This tour holds special significance as it marks India’s first visit to the Caribbean for a test match since 2019. The action-packed tour, spanning across different formats, promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The Test Venue: Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica
The tour’s first test match is set to take place at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica. Over the years, the pitch at Windsor Park has evolved into a typical Test surface, offering an engaging contest between bat and ball.
On the first day, the pitch tends to favour the faster bowlers, while it gradually becomes more conducive to batting on days 2 and 3. As the match progresses, spinners come into play, especially on the latter two days when the pitch wears down.
Notably, the team batting second has often scored the most runs at this venue, and chasing smaller targets has been a successful strategy.
Team India’s Full Squad and Probable Playing XI:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian cricket team’s squad for the West Indies Test series on June 23, 2023. While some players have been excluded namely Cheteshwar Pujara, several talented individuals have earned their spots such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mukesh Kumar. Notably Ajinkya Rahane returns to the Test Squad as Vice Captain of the team.
The 15-man squad of Indian Team for the Test Series:
India’s squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur
The probable playing XI for Team India in 1st Test :
India’s playing 11: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur
Team West Indies’ Full Squad and Probable Playing XI:
The West Indies team, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, is all set to face the Indian challenge. Spin-bowling all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall makes a comeback to the squad after a two-year absence. With Gudakesh Motie’s injury, the hosts face a decision between Cornwall and Jomel Warrican for the first Test. Expecting a formidable Indian batting lineup, West Indies is likely to opt for three specialist pacers.
West Indies’ 13 player squad for the First Test:
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.
Traveling Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan
India in Test Matches in West Indies in Recent Years:
2019: IND won 2-0
2016: IND won 2-0
2011: IND won 1-0
Some Trivia:
The last time India suffered defeat in the Caribbean was the fifth Test at Jamaica in 2002, a staggering 21 years ago where in West Indies beat India by 155 runs. Former West Indies opener Wavell Hinds was name Man of the Match for his magnificent Century in the 1st innings.
IND vs WI Broadcast Details:
For fans eagerly awaiting the series, live streaming of the India vs. West Indies Test matches will be available on two popular OTT platforms: FanCode and JioCinema.
Additionally, the Doordarshan Network’s DD Sports channel will telecast the matches live, ensuring a wider reach for cricket enthusiasts across the country.
The Test Match will Start on 12th July at 19:30 pm IST.
Verdict
The upcoming all-format tour of the West Indies by Team India promises a riveting display of cricketing prowess. With an intriguing battle expected at the Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica, both teams will strive to showcase their skills and claim victory.
As cricket lovers prepare to witness the clash between these two powerhouses, the stage is set for a thrilling series that will captivate fans and leave a lasting impression in the world of cricket. India are favorites but West Indies can spring a surprise on the given day. All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma as the skipper received a lot of flak for his tactics in ICC WTC 2021-23 final against Australia.
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