India had a dominant start to the first Test against West Indies in Dominica on July 12, marking the beginning of their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Despite losing the toss, India chose to bowl first and their bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, performed exceptionally well. Ashwin took 5 wickets for 60 runs, while Jadeja claimed 3 wickets for 26 runs, resulting in West Indies being bundled out for 150 runs in 64.3 overs.
In response, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, making his debut, and captain Rohit Sharma put on an unbeaten partnership of 80 runs in 23 overs. They ensured that India ended the day on a high note without losing any wickets.
Ashwin created a historic moment by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, marking the first instance of an Indian bowler taking the wickets of both a father and son in Test cricket. Ashwin had previously dismissed Shivnarine Chanderpaul 12 years ago. West Indies captain Kraig Brathwaite was dismissed for 20 after playing a poor shot, slicing a full delivery and being caught by India’s captain at cover. Shardul Thakur also made an impact by taking the wicket of Raymon Reifer, who nicked a full delivery outside off, resulting in a good low catch by debutant wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
The hosts’ situation worsened when Jermaine Blackwood, who had scored 14 runs, got dismissed on the final delivery before lunch. Blackwood attempted to attack a full delivery from Jadeja, but Mohammed Siraj, positioned at mid-off, skillfully extended his right hand to execute an impressive one-handed catch. West Indies found themselves in significant trouble, ending the session at a precarious score of 68 for the loss of four wickets.
No Intent Displayed By The West Indies
West Indies faced a continuous downfall of wickets during the second session. Joshua Da Silva, who had scored 2 runs, was caught behind by Jadeja while attempting a cut shot. Despite initially fumbling, Kishan managed to secure a good rebound catch. Alick Athanaze, making his debut, contributed 47 runs, and Jason Holder added 18 runs, forming a resilient partnership of 41 runs for the sixth wicket.
However, their partnership was disrupted when Holder pulled a short delivery from Siraj towards deep square leg and was caught. Ashwin claimed his third wicket when Alzarri Joseph, trying to slog a carrom ball, was caught at backward point due to a leading edge. Athanaze fell just three runs short of his half-century as he mistimed a pull shot off Ashwin.
Jadeja successfully dismissed Kemar Roach through a leg before wicket (LBW) decision, restricting him to a mere 1 run. Ashwin, on the other hand, achieved his remarkable 33rd five-wicket haul in Test matches as he caught Jomel Warrican at the short leg position.
Ishan Kishan Was Chosen Over KS Bharat
Ishan Kishan had a successful start to his Test career against the West Indies on Wednesday. He was selected as the wicket-keeper batsman, replacing KS Bharat, who had been facing difficulties with his batting in recent Test matches.
Kishan proved his worth by displaying excellent composure as a wicket-keeper and taking two impressive catches.
Kishan possesses immense potential as a young wicket-keeper. With his remarkable abilities and athleticism, he has the potential to become an exceptional wicket-keeper in the future, and his skills are expected to further improve as he will gain experience in the longest format.
By consistently putting in effort and demonstrating unwavering commitment, he has the potential to emerge as one of the finest wicket-keepers globally in the coming years.
