India, headed by Rohit Sharma, looked outstanding in all three areas of the game on Day 1 of the inaugural Test match between the West Indies and India. The Kriagg Brathwaite-led team was only able to score 150 runs thanks to the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin, who recorded his 33rd five-for, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed three victims. Notably, India’s fielding has received a lot of criticism lately, but against the West Indies, they excelled.
The highlight came when Mohammed Siraj made an incredible catch to beat Jermaine Blackwood, among other outstanding catches that were made. When Jadeja delivered a longer delivery outside off, the batsman appeared to sail over the bowler’s head, but Mohammed Siraj was quick enough to cross the space to his right and leapt into the air with his arms outstretched to take a fantastic one-handed catch. The West Indies appeared to be in serious trouble when Blackwood’s 14-run inning came to an end.
Miyaan Bhai ki daring
#INDvWIonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/LUdvAmmbVr
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 12, 2023
Jaiswal made a good bat debut.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to get going as India’s new opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared rock solid at the crease after holding the home team to only 150 runs. Jaiswal was given the chance to make his international debut and he has so far looked great. He had a fantastic season in both the home arena and the recently finished Indian Premier League.
After a sluggish beginning, the batsman from Uttar Pradesh picked up the pace and scored 40 runs off 73 deliveries. Rohit Sharma, the 36-year-old captain of India, took some time to become comfortable while scoring 30 runs off 65 deliveries. India will be trying to take a huge lead and put the West Indies under pressure in their first inning because, notable thanks to their excellent hitting, they are only 70 runs behind the hosts.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, another newcomer, appeared impressive on Day 1. In the longest version of the game, his catching abilities can surely be improved, but overall, he appeared reliable behind the stumps. His batting, however, will have a significant impact on how he performs in Test matches.