India Dominates 1st Test Match: Ashwin and Jaiswal's Brilliance Crush West Indies with an Incredible Innings Victory of 141 Runs
In a dominant display of skill and prowess, the world's top-ranked bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, proved to be an insurmountable challenge for the West Indies batting lineup. With his second five-wicket haul in the game, Ashwin played a crucial role in India's commanding victory by an innings and 141 runs in the opening Test of the series.
After India declared their first innings at an imposing total of 421 for five, expectations were high for an improved performance from the West Indies batsmen. However, they proved to be ill-prepared and crumbled under the relentless pressure, managing a mere 130 all out in just 50.3 overs, leading to a decisive three-day finish.
Ashwin's exceptional bowling skills were on full display as he followed up his impressive 33rd five-wicket haul in the first innings with astounding figures of seven for 71 in 21.3 overs, marking his best performance in an overseas Test match. His exceptional display left the West Indies struggling and unable to mount a substantial challenge.
The result of the match seemed inevitable after the West Indies were bundled out for a paltry 150 on the opening day. India's resounding victory was also attributed to the remarkable debut of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who showcased his talent with a sublime score of 171 runs. Additionally, Virat Kohli contributed 76 runs off 182 balls, although his innings was not as fluent as usual, as he had to toil hard for his runs and was even dropped twice along the way.
The second and final Test of the series will commence in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on July 20. India, who have not lost a Test match to the West Indies since 2002, will be expected to complete a clean sweep and secure crucial points in the World Test Championship.
The West Indies' fate seemed sealed when they stumbled to a dismal 32 for four in their second innings. The pitch conditions resembled the slow and dry tracks typically found in India, prompting Indian captain Rohit Sharma to introduce spin as early as the fifth over. By tea, the West Indies had further slumped to 27 for two in 19 overs, with Ashwin and Jadeja dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite (7) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (7) respectively. Jadeja deceived Chanderpaul with a delivery that turned sharply from the middle stump, confirmed by the Decision Review System (DRS), resulting in a leg-before-wicket dismissal. Brathwaite, perplexed by Ashwin's skills, edged a straighter delivery to Ajinkya Rahane at first slip.
Among the West Indies batsmen, only debutant Alick Athanaze showed some assurance at the crease, managing a resilient 28 off 44 balls. Fearlessly taking on Ashwin with sweeping shots and unleashing square cuts and pulls against Mohammed Siraj, the talented left-handed batsman displayed promise. However, he was eventually caught at short leg by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Ashwin's bowling in the 37th over.
India declared their innings after lunch, seemingly waiting for debutant Ishan Kishan to score his first run, which took 20 balls. The visitors batted impressively, accumulating a significant lead of 271 runs, and ended their first innings after an impressive 152.2 overs.
After lunch, Virat Kohli was the sole Indian batsman to be dismissed. Despite surviving two dropped catches early in his innings, he fell into the trap set by off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall. Kohli flicked a bouncing delivery from the middle stump straight into the hands of the leg slip fielder.
During the morning session, young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal became only the third Indian player to score 150 runs on debut, while Kohli had to work hard for his half-century. The Indian team reached an impressive total of 400 for four at lunch, having resumed the day at 312 for two. However, they faced challenges in accumulating runs on a slow pitch with ample turn and a heavy outfield.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican troubled Kohli, who received a lifeline when he was dropped on 40 by West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite. On the other hand, Jaiswal confidently stepped out to Warrican, dispatching him for a straight six. He joined the elite club of Indians who have scored 150 runs on debut, matching the achievements of Shikhar Dhawan (187) and Rohit Sharma (177).
Jaiswal's journey towards a potential double century was cut short when he edged a delivery angled away from Alzarri Joseph. Ajinkya Rahane, who had the opportunity to make a significant impact, attempted a risky drive on the slow pitch against Kemar Roach, resulting in a straightforward catch at cover.
With Rahkeem Cornwall unable to bowl in the morning session due to his absence on the second day, the West Indies bowlers conceded easy boundaries to India towards the end of the session.
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