IND vs WI, 1st Test Day 1: Match highlights and key performances

The first day of the opening Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ended with the home team on top. After bowling out the visitors for just 162 runs, India reached 121/2 by stumps. The hosts are only 41 runs behind with eight wickets still in hand.

West Indies decided to bat first after winning the toss but had a tough time against India’s fast bowlers. They lost wickets quickly and were five down before the lunch break. Justin Greaves scored 32, Roston Chase made 24, and Shai Hope added 26, but none of them could carry on to play a big innings. A 48-run stand between Chase and Hope gave some hope, but Kuldeep Yadav broke that partnership by dismissing Hope just before lunch. The innings ended in just 44.1 overs, making it one of the shortest first innings by a visiting side in India.

The India bowlers displayed all-around discipline with the team. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the attack with four for 40. Jasprit Bumrah was speedy and controlled with three for 42, and included two exquisite yorkers to clean up Justin Greaves and Johann Layne. Kuldeep Yadav, back in the Test side, took two for 25. Washington Sundar added one as well. 

Strong opening stand puts India ahead

India responded well with the bat. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal put on a 68-run stand for a good start. Jaiswal made a fluent 36 before being dismissed, while the debutant Sai Sudharsan could only contribute 7 to the score. KL Rahul was well settled and confident at the crease, finishing on an unbeaten 53 by the end of the day. Captain Shubman Gill also played his role properly, finishing not out on 18. 

At stumps on Day 2, India were at 121/2 and firmly in control of the match and looking for a big first-innings lead. The West Indies will need to find early wickets to give them a chance to get back in the game, while India will be looking to extend their advantage.

See Also: [WATCH] IND vs WI: Jasprit Bumrah Bowls Johann Layne in Quick Succession

IND vs WI, 1st Test Day 1: Key performances

• Mohammed Siraj (4/40): Siraj was India’s best bowler. He struck early, taking three wickets in the first hour, and finished with four. This was his best bowling in a home Test. 
• KL Rahul (53 not out):* Rahul batted with patience and control. He made a half-century from 114 balls and stayed not out at the end of the day, even though he had a small muscle cramp.
• Jasprit Bumrah (3/42): Bumrah bowled with great accuracy. He took three wickets, including two with superb yorkers, and also completed 50 Test wickets in India.
• Justin Greaves (32): Greaves led the scoring effort for West Indies. He fought hard and scored 32 runs, showing some resistance when the rest of the team was struggling.