India vs West Indies 1st Test Day 1 highlights: India Dominates Day 1 with Ashwin’s Stellar Performance, Rohit and Yashasvi Shine
India vs West Indies 1st Test Day 1 highlights: Dominant India Restricts West Indies to 150 Runs on Day 1; Ashwin’s Five-Wicket Haul Impresses
Ind vs WI 1st Test Day 1 Highlights 2023: The highly anticipated two-Test series between India and the West Indies kickstarted in Dominica on Wednesday (July 12). The first day of the opening Test belonged to India as they bundled out the West Indies for a mere 150 runs in their first innings. By the end of the day’s play, India had reached a comfortable score of 80 runs without any loss. Captain Rohit Sharma, accompanied by debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, remained unbeaten.
Ashwin’s Spectacular Bowling
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his brilliance with the ball, grabbing five wickets during the West Indies’ innings. This marked the 33rd time in Test cricket that Ashwin achieved a five-wicket haul in a single innings, further solidifying his reputation as a top-class bowler. Read below Ind vs WI 1st Test Day 1 Highlights 2023.
Rohit and Yashasvi Provide a Solid Start for India
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid a strong foundation for India in their first innings. Both batsmen displayed exceptional skill and composure, showcasing an array of impressive shots. Yashasvi remains unbeaten on 40 off 73 balls, including six boundaries, while Rohit has contributed 30 runs off 65 balls, featuring three fours and a six. India trails the West Indies by 70 runs in the first innings and aims to bridge the gap on the second day, establishing a substantial lead. The West Indies bowlers, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to stage a comeback in the match.
West Indies Captain Wins the Toss
In the morning, West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite won the toss and elected to bat first. Team India introduced two debutants in the match, with 21-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal receiving his Test cap from captain Rohit Sharma. Furthermore, Ishaan Kishan earned his maiden Test appearance, replacing wicketkeeper KS Bharath. Virat Kohli presented the Test cap to Ishaan. On the West Indies side, Alyque Ethanage made his debut.
Ashwin Strikes Early
The West Indies’ first innings got off to a shaky start as they lost half of their team for just 76 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin delivered the initial blow by dismissing Tejnarine Chanderpaul on the fifth ball of the 13th over. Chanderpaul was bowled after contributing 12 runs off 44 balls. Ashwin then claimed the wicket of captain Craig Brathwaite, with Rohit Sharma taking the catch. Brathwaite managed to score 20 runs off 46 balls. Shardul Thakur, in his 20th over, provided India with their third breakthrough as he had Ramon Reifer caught behind by wicketkeeper Ishaan Kishan. Reifer could only accumulate two runs from 18 balls, granting Ishaan his first catch in Test cricket.
Jadeja Makes an Impact
Ravindra Jadeja made a significant impact on the match, taking two vital wickets. He dismissed Jermaine Blackwood, who was caught by Mohammad Siraj after scoring 14 runs off 34 balls. Blackwood’s wicket fell just before lunch, with the West Indies’ score at 68 runs for the loss of four wickets. Shortly after the lunch break, Jadeja struck again, sending Joshua de Silva back to the pavilion. De Silva managed to score only two runs off 13 balls before offering a catch to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
Ethanage and Holder Steady the Innings
Following the loss of five wickets for 76 runs, debutant Alyque Ethanage and seasoned campaigner Jason Holder stabilized the West Indies’ innings. The pair exhibited cautious batting and forged a 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket—the highest partnership for the West Indies in the first innings. India’s Mohammad Siraj broke the partnership by dismissing Holder, caught by Shardul Thakur after contributing 18 runs off 61 balls. Ashwin claimed his seventh wicket by catching Alzarri Joseph off Jaydev Unadkat’s bowling. Joseph scored four runs off 11 balls.
Ethanage Falls Short of Half-Century
Alyque Ethanage fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved half-century. In his debut match, Ethanage battled hard but was eventually dismissed after scoring 47 runs off 99 balls, which included six fours and a six. Ashwin caught Ethanage off Shardul Thakur’s delivery. Jadeja further strengthened India’s position by dismissing Kemar Roach leg before wicket (lbw). Ashwin concluded the West Indies’ innings by removing Jomel Warrican. Roach and Warrican were both dismissed after scoring just one run each. Ashwin finished with five wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets for India. Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur chipped in with one wicket each.
Ashwin Equals Harbhajan’s Record
Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarkable five-wicket haul in this Test against the West Indies marked his 33rd such achievement. Ashwin now shares the same feat with former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, who also achieved this milestone five times. The only bowler ahead of them is former West Indies fast bowler Malcolm Marshall, who achieved the feat six times.
Ashwin Joins Elite Company
Ashwin’s exceptional performance also brought him level with Subhash Gupte, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Ishant Sharma for taking five wickets in an innings for the third time on West Indian soil. Furthermore, Ashwin’s total tally of international wickets (across Test, ODI, and T20 formats) reached 702, making him the third Indian bowler to achieve this milestone. He follows in the footsteps of Harbhajan Singh (711) and Anil Kumble (956).