The first day of the Test match between India and West Indies witnessed a remarkable comeback by Ravichandran Ashwin and a dominant display by the Indian team. Ravichandran Ashwin‘s exceptional spin bowling performance, in partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, decimated the West Indies batting lineup, limiting them to a mere 150 runs in their first innings despite a fighting knock of 47 from the debutant Alick Athanaze.
Meanwhile, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma built a solid foundation for their team, ending the day with a strong partnership of 80 runs without losing a single wicket bringing the deficit down to 70 runs.
WEST INDIES LOOKED SOLID IN THE FIRST HOUR:
West Indies won the toss and chose to bat. Opting to bat first, the West Indies openers, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Braithwaite, showed early promise as they negated the new ball really well in the First Hour all thanks to Siraj’s wayward bowling in the first hour. Although Jaydev Unadkat was spot on with his line length with the new ball and asked constant questions to the Windies Openers but was very unlucky as he didn’t get any Breakthrough.
WEST INDIES STRUGGLES WITH ASHWIN’S SPIN:
However, their partnership was cut short by the brilliance of the comeback man Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin struck twice in quick succession, removing both openers and putting the West Indies on the back foot. Soon after, Reymon Reifer fell prey to Shardul Thakur as he Edged to the Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan. That was Ishan Kishan’s First Dismissal in Test Cricket.
The Windies tried to rebuild with Blackwood and debutant Alick Athanze, but their efforts were thwarted by a sensational one-handed catch from Mohammed Siraj, sending Blackwood back to the pavilion. Joshua de Silva soon followed him as he edged one delivery to Ishan Kishan off Ravindra Jadeja soon after Lunch
WEST INDIES SHOW RESILIENCE AFTER LUNCH:
All onus for the rebuild was on the young shoulders of Debutant Alick Athanaze and erxperienced Jason Holder. Holder and Athanze displayed great determination. Amidst the West Indies’ struggle against the Indian spin duo, debutant Alick Athanze emerged as a beacon of hope for his team.
Displaying elegance and composure, Athanze played a delightful knock of 47 runs from 99 balls in his maiden Test innings. His strokes reminded spectators of the great Brian Lara, leaving a lasting impression on the game. However, their partnership of 41 runs was broken by Siraj as Holder fell to a well-directed short ball.
RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN’S MAGNIFICENT RETURN:
The Windies Innings folded quickly after that wicket as shortly after that Ashwin got the wicket of Well Set Alick Athanaze for 47. In a spectacular display of skill and precision, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his class as a premier spin bowler. He made an impressive comeback, claiming his 33rd five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Ashwin’s crafty variations and control troubled the West Indies batsmen. In the Process Ravichandran Ashwin became just the Third Indian Bowler to take 700 International Wickets after Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
WEST INDIES STRUGGLE TO REACH 150:
West Indies struggled to reach 150 in their First Innings as Ravichandran Ashwin led the bowling Attack with a 33rd five wicket haul. Ravindra Jadeja also supported him as he took 3 wickets as well. Rahkeem Cornwall made a quickfire 19 runs to ensure that West Indies reach to 150. Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur took one wicket each.
DESPITE A NERVY START, INDIA DOMINATE IN BATTING
When India began their innings, they faced an early scare as Rohit Sharma survived a close call due to an umpire’s call decision. However, that was the only moment of concern for the Indian openers. Rohit Sharma and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal capitalized on the West Indies’ inconsistent bowling. Jaiswal, in particular, exhibited composure beyond his years, playing a flawless innings.
A SHORT RAIN BREAK, BUT INDIA MAINTAIN MOMENTUM:
The match experienced a brief interruption of 5 minutes due to rain showers. Despite the rain delay, Indian Openers continued their dominance, finishing the day on a commanding 80/0. They trail the West Indies by 70 runs with all ten wickets intact.
WHAT TO EXPECT TODAY:
Finishing the day on a commanding 80/0, India trails the West Indies by 70 runs with all ten wickets intact. The first day belonged entirely to India, as they look to carry forward their impressive performance into day two. On the other hand, the West Indies will need to break through India’s solid opening partnership early on to regain some momentum. Fans can anticipate another exciting day of Test cricket filled with intense battles and thrilling moments.
INTERESTING TRIVIA OF THE DAY:
- Ravichandran Ashwin became the first Indian bowler to take the wickets of both a father-son duo in Test cricket. He had previously dismissed Shivnarine Chanderpaul in 2011, and now he added Tagenarine Chanderpaul to his list of illustrious victims in 2023.
- Ravichandran Ashwin became just the Third Indian Bowler to take 700 International Wickets after Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
- Ravichandran Ashwin Surpassed Veteran English Paceman James Anderson in the List of Most Five Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket.
- Ravichandran Ashwin Equalled Harbhajan Singh’s Record of Most Five Wicket Hauls in India-West Indies Test Matches. Both of them have Five Each.
Also Read: What Lies Ahead For India