It was business as usual for India in the first Test against the West Indies. Even though the visitors, India lost the toss and bowled first on a dry wicket, they bossed the game from Day 1. Thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin’s five-wicket haul on his comeback, the home team was bowled out for mere 150 runs. In reply, the Asian side finished 80/0 on Day One.
On the second day, both India openers, skipper Rohit Sharma and debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal scored their Test hundreds. The latter remained not out till the end of Day 2. He went on to score 171 before being caught behind on Day Three. Former India skipper Virat Kohli didn’t make the most of the dropped chances he got as he got out after getting 76 runs.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 37 while Ishan Kishan scored his first Test runs. Right after the latter’s achievement, Sharma decided to declare the innings. India finished with 421/5, leading by 271 runs.
West Indies surrendered cheaply on Day 3
After watching India’s batting, it was clear that the wicket wasn’t entirely difficult for batting. The willow wielders needed some patience to stay at the crease as a lot of turning balls would have missed the ball anyways. However, as expected, the Maroon brigade failed to apply themselves with the bat. They were bowled out for 130, losing the game by an innings and 141 runs.
Ashwin picked seven wickets in the second innings and the team earned a two-day break as the game finished only on Day Three. Jaiswal, who scored 171 runs in the first innings was the Player of the Match.
“(Prep and planning) We were just having a nice session. I spoke to Dravid sir a lot, and he gave me confidence. I want to thank the selectors and Rohit bhai for showing faith and allowing me to express. (Emotions…) What I have been working for… I’m just thinking of preparing well and focus on my discipline and process. (Playing Test for India) A special moment. I used to think about playing for my country when I was young. Emotional moment for me but this is just the start. (Personalities who contributed to his early success…) A lot of people have helped me in this journey. I want to thank each and everyone, of course the senior players. The way I was talking with Rohit bhai and Virat bhaiya, I was learning a lot,” Jaiswal said in the post-match presentation.
This is how Twitter reacted
That was a easy win for India and we start off the new WTC cycle in style!#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/4DsspJX2Hc
— SHOUNAK 🇮🇳 (@Shounak_72_) July 14, 2023
That's why he Brand Ambassador of Cricket. The energy he puts on field isn't anyone's cup of tea. #ViratKohli𓃵 #INDvsWIpic.twitter.com/i0zJbg80ym
— Mayur (@133_AT_Hobart) July 15, 2023
Bowlers to take 12+ wickets in a Test match most times:
6 – ASHWIN (93 Tests)
6 – Muralitharan (133)
5 – Herath (93)
4 – Barnes (27)
4 – Fazal Mahmood (34)#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/MfYliM3Yoh— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) July 14, 2023
166 balls 66 runs
Even spectators got bored and slept after watching tuk tuk of Virat Kohli 😭😭#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/DO8VsqEZaz
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) July 14, 2023
Test win for India#WIvIND #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/jRWkxX8AaV
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) July 14, 2023
Jaiswal won the Player of the Match award on his debut game, making a fantastic start in international cricket.#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/sCUXlEfrlg
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) July 15, 2023
And the Streak Continues..
India remained unbeaten in Last 24 Tests against Westindies 💥
12 wickets for Ash 👏👏#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/RcAaDk9vhT
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) July 14, 2023
32 5-fers in 181 matches, legendary clouderson 🤩
33 5-fers in nearly half of the matches but he is home track merchant 😏#INDvsWI #Ashwin #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/QiaQymr2GE
— AB_Hi (@abhi_inthearc) July 13, 2023
The competition level in #INDvsWI series is like – pic.twitter.com/2Oeii39LnN
— Oolta Poolta (@ijanvaidya) July 15, 2023
