WI vs IND: 1st Test, Day 1 – Ashwin’s 5-W haul puts India in command
The first Test between West Indies and India got off to a rollicking start as the visitors put up a dominating performance, thereby kicking off their WTC 2023-25 campaign in style. The two sides squared off at Windsor Park in Dominica on July 12, Wednesday, and Day 1 of the Test saw India bundling West Indies out for 150 runs in their first innings, and finishing on 80/0 to gain control.
It all started with Kraigg Brathwaite winning the toss, but his move to bat first backfired as the Indian spinners wreaked havoc on the field. After a decent start to the game, West Indies’ batting unit saw a terrible collapse when Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja worked in tandem. The hosts eventually lost four wickets in the first session, and brilliance by the Indian spin duo dismantled the visitors’ batting unit.
While India had two debutants in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, West Indies gave a cap to Alick Athazane. Notably, the 24-year-old Caribbean player was the top scorer for his side as he played a 47-run knock in 99 deliveries. Indian youngster Jaiswal too stood out in his maiden Test outing as he remained unbeaten on 40 while sharing an 80-run opening stand with skipper Rohit Sharma.
Talking Points from Day 1:
Ravichandran Ashwin’s masterclass
Ashwin etched his name in record books after his magnificent spell against the Caribbean side. The senior all-rounder finished with a five-wicket haul to his name, which was also his 33rd in international cricket. He also became just the third Indian bowler to pick 700 international wickets, while also becoming the only active player with the most five-wicket hauls in Tests.
Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliance
While Ashwin was the wrecker-in-chief for India, Jadeja too put up a solid performance with the ball as he picked up three crucial wickets. He dismissed Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva, and Kemar Roach as West Indies’ batting unit saw a collapse. He will now be hoping to put up a similar show with the bat in India’s first innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s memorable debut
Rohit Sharma had a new opening partner as Yashasvi Jaiswal walked into the field. Though he took time to get going, Jaiswal was quick in scoring runs once he found his momentum. While Rohit hit three fours and a six to compile 30*(65) before stumps, Jaiswal notched up six boundaries to finish comfortably at 40*(73), while batting at a strike rate of 54.79.
