India showcased their dominance in the first Test against West Indies with a comprehensive victory by an innings and 141 runs. Led by the brilliant performances of R Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal, India outplayed the hosts in all departments of the game.
Jaiswal’s Heroics Set the Stage
Yashasvi Jaiswal, making his Test debut, played a sensational knock of 171 runs in the first innings. His innings provided the platform for India to declare at 421 for 5, with a commanding lead of 271 runs. Jaiswal’s aggressive strokeplay and impeccable technique impressed the cricketing world, making him the third Indian to score 150 or more on debut.
Ashwin’s Spin Web
The pitch at Windsor Park offered ample turn and bounce for the spinners, and R Ashwin made full use of the conditions. In the second innings, Ashwin wreaked havoc, scalping seven wickets for just 71 runs. His variations and accuracy troubled the West Indies batsmen, resulting in their collapse for a mere 130 runs.
Jadeja Complements Ashwin
Ravindra Jadeja provided excellent support to Ashwin from the other end. The left-arm spinner picked up three crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Raymon Reifer. Jadeja’s tight lines and ability to exploit the rough patches on the pitch further troubled the West Indies batsmen.
Early Struggles for West Indies
Facing a massive deficit, West Indies had a daunting task ahead of them. However, their top order crumbled under the pressure of India’s spin duo. Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood fell victim to Ashwin’s skillful bowling, while Chanderpaul and Reifer were dismissed by Jadeja. The West Indies were reduced to 32 for 4, with their hopes fading rapidly.
Athanaze Provides Resistance
Despite the early setbacks, middle-order batsman Athanaze showed resilience and fought hard to steer West Indies towards a respectable total. He scored valuable runs and was the top scorer in both innings for his team. However, his efforts were not enough to counter India’s dominance.
Ashwin’s Second Innings Masterclass
In the second innings, Ashwin continued to torment the West Indies batsmen with his intelligent bowling. He changed his angle of attack, switching to over the wicket, and troubled the batsmen with his variations. Ashwin’s deliveries spun sharply and accounted for the wickets of Alzarri Joseph, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, and Jomel Warrican.
Kohli’s Grit and Determination
India’s captain, Virat Kohli, displayed his class and determination during his innings of 76 runs. Despite a slow start, Kohli adapted to the challenging conditions and patiently accumulated runs. He was dropped on 40, but it didn’t deter him from building a solid partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
Jaiswal and Kishan’s Contributions
Apart from Jaiswal’s heroics, Ishan Kishan also made a valuable contribution to India’s total. Though he took some time to get off the mark, Kishan provided stability to the middle order. His partnership with Jaiswal helped India consolidate their position in the match.
West Indies’ Missed Opportunities
West Indies had their chances to dismiss key Indian batsmen but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Drops by Ishan Kishan, as well as the missed opportunity to dismiss Kohli, proved costly for the hosts. These lapses in the field added to their woes and allowed India to build a substantial lead.
India’s Clinical Victory
With an outstanding all-round display, India proved their supremacy in the first Test against West Indies. The contributions from Jaiswal, Ashwin, and Jadeja ensured a resounding win for the visitors. The victory sets the tone for the remainder of the series, leaving West Indies with a lot to ponder before the second Test.
India’s dominant performance in the first Test highlights their depth of talent and their ability to adapt to different conditions. With the series at stake, both teams will be eager to make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches.
