New Delhi: The best bowler in the world. Ravichandran Ashwin, proved too strong for an ill-equipped West Indies batting line-up. His second five-wicket haul sealed India’s impressive 141-run victory by an innings in the first Test of the two-match series on Saturday.
After India declared their first innings at 421 for five, hopes were high for a better batting performance from the Caribbean batsmen. However, they were not up to the task and collapsed for 130 runs in 50.3 overs. to a crucial three-day finish.
As it happened: India vs West Indies, 1st Test
Ashwin followed up with an enviable 33rd five-wicket haul of seven for 71 in 21.3 overs in the first innings, marking his best performance in an overseas Test match. His extraordinary bowling skills left the West Indies in trouble and unable to mount much of a challenge.
The result was predictable after West Indies were bowled out for 150 runs on the first day.
India’s massive victory was also set up Yashasvi Jaiswal He scored an impressive 171 runs on his debut. Virat Kohli Contributed 76 runs off 182 balls but it was not in his flow as he had to work hard for his runs and was dropped twice along the way.
After India declared their first innings at 421 for five, hopes were high for a better batting performance from the Caribbean batsmen. However, they were not up to the task and collapsed for 130 runs in 50.3 overs. to a crucial three-day finish.
As it happened: India vs West Indies, 1st Test
Ashwin followed up with an enviable 33rd five-wicket haul of seven for 71 in 21.3 overs in the first innings, marking his best performance in an overseas Test match. His extraordinary bowling skills left the West Indies in trouble and unable to mount much of a challenge.
The result was predictable after West Indies were bowled out for 150 runs on the first day.
India’s massive victory was also set up Yashasvi Jaiswal He scored an impressive 171 runs on his debut. Virat Kohli Contributed 76 runs off 182 balls but it was not in his flow as he had to work hard for his runs and was dropped twice along the way.
The second and final Test will begin from July 20 at Port of Spain, Trinidad. India, who have not lost a Test against the West Indies since 2002, will be hoping to complete a clean sweep in the World Test Championship and pick up crucial points.
The writing was on the wall for the West Indies as they were reduced to a miserable 32 for four in the second innings. The conditions on the pitch resembled India’s slow and dry tracks, which motivated the Indian captain Rohit Sharma To introduce spin in the fifth over itself.
With Ashwin and Jadeja out at tea, West Indies were 27 for two in 19 overs. Craig Brathwaite (7) and Taganarain Chanderpaul (7) respectively. As confirmed by the Decision Review System (DRS), Jadeja caught Chanderpaul leg-before-wicket on a treacherous ball that turned away from middle stump. Confused by Ashwin’s abilities, Brathwaite faced Ajinkya Rahane at first slip.
Debutant Alik Athanaze was the only West Indies batsman who was assured at the crease with a 44-ball 28. Sweeping Ashwin fearlessly and unleashing square cuts and grasses against Mohammad Siraj, the talented left-handed batsman looked promising. However, Yashaswi Jaiswal caught Ashwin at short leg in the 37th over.
India declared their innings after lunch, waiting for debutant Ishan Kishan to score his first run, taking 20 balls. The visitors batted well in their first innings in 152.2 overs to take a lead of 271 runs.
Only Virat Kohli was out after lunch. Survived two early drop catches but fell into the off-spinner’s trap Rahkeem Cornwall. A bouncing delivery from middle stump that Kohli flicks straight into the leg slip fielder’s hands.
In the morning session, young talent Yashaswi Jaiswal became the third Indian player to score 150 on debut and Kohli had to work hard for his half-century. Resuming the game at 312 for two, the Indian team reached their best score of 400 for four at lunch. However, they struggled for runs on a slow pitch with enough turn and a heavy outfield.
Left-arm spinner Jomal Warrican caused problems for Kohli as he got a lifeline when West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite was dismissed on 40. Jaiswal, on the other hand, stepped confidently into Warwick and sent him for a straight six. He joins Shikhar Dhawan (187) and Rohit Sharma (177) in the elite club of Indians who have scored 150 on debut.
Jaiswal’s quest for a double century ended when Alzari edged an angled ball from Joseph. Ajinkya Rahane, who had a chance to make a significant impact, attempted a dangerous drive on a slower pitch against Kemar Roach, which resulted in a straight catch at cover.
With Rahkeem Cornwall unable to bowl in the morning due to the absence of Day 2, the West Indies bowlers conceded easy boundaries to India towards the end of the session.
(with inputs from PTI)