Toby Marshall
The first Test between India and West Indies ended in a comprehensive victory for India, thanks to the brilliant performance of Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin showcased his bowling prowess by taking a total of 12 wickets in the match, with seven of them coming in the second innings. His exceptional performance played a crucial role in India’s triumph.
West Indies struggled in their first innings, managing to score only 150 runs before being bowled out. In response, India dominated with their batting display, amassing a massive total of 421/5 before declaring their innings on the third day. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a century, displaying his class and composure. Debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal made an immediate impact with a remarkable knock of 171 runs in the first innings, showcasing his talent and potential.
Ashwin’s exceptional bowling in the first innings, where he claimed five wickets for 60 runs, created havoc in the West Indies batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with three wickets, adding to the West Indies’ struggles.
Overall, it was a commanding performance by the Indian team, with both their batting and bowling units delivering outstanding displays. Their victory by an innings and 141 runs in just three days highlights their dominance in the match.
India made a strong start in the first Test against West Indies, opting to bowl spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin after just four overs of pace. The spin duo immediately found assistance from the pitch, causing trouble for the West Indies batsmen.
Jadeja dismissed Chanderpaul with a leg-before-wicket decision, while Ashwin changed his angle and had Brathwaite caught by Rahane at slip. Blackwood survived an edge that landed short of third slip, but both he and Reifer fell quickly in the final session. Blackwood was trapped in front by a sharp delivery from Ashwin, and Reifer missed a flick off Jadeja and was given out lbw after a review.
Athanaze showed class with his shot-making but was eventually caught at short leg by Ashwin. Joseph attacked with some big shots but eventually holed out to deep midwicket. Ashwin continued to excel, taking the wicket of Cornwall caught at short leg and dismissing Roach and Warrican to complete his five-wicket haul. Holder provided resistance but received little support from the other end.
In the morning session, Jaiswal and Kohli resumed India’s innings. Jaiswal scored his first boundary of the day with an on-drive off Holder, but Joseph bowled him with a well-executed plan. Rahane fell early, chipping Roach’s delivery to cover. Kohli struggled for runs but eventually reached his half-century after 147 balls. Kohli survived a scare when he was dropped on 72, but his innings came to an end on 76 when he flicked Cornwall to leg slip. Kishan took time to open his account, and Rohit declared the innings as soon as he scored his first run.
The Aussies reached the Nagpur VCA Stadium for the most awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Vidarbha Association Cricket Stadium and the home crowd could not wait for the opening match of the enticing series.
In an enthralling first Test, Pakistan emerged victorious, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match witnessed several twists and turns, with Saud Shakeel's unbeaten 208 in Pakistan's first innings making the crucial difference between the two teams. Dhananjaya de Silva was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, putting up two brilliant knocks to keep his team in the game.
