Recent Match Report - West Indies vs India 1st Test 2023

Innings West Indies 150 (Athanaze 47, Ashwin 5-60, Jadeja 3-26) vs India

R Ashwin‘s outstanding performance helped India dominate the opening day of the first Test against West Indies at Windsor Park. After being left out for the World Test Championship final, Ashwin made a strong comeback, taking five wickets to help bundle out West Indies for just 150 runs. His impressive bowling display was supported by Ravindra Jadeja, who took three wickets.

West Indies’ innings revolved around Alick Athanaze, who showed great resilience and skill in the face of consistent wicket fall. Athanaze, who recently scored the joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut, continued his impressive form by scoring 47 runs in this Test match. However, he eventually fell to Ashwin’s bowling when he mistimed a pull shot.

The day started with West Indies winning the toss and choosing to bat on a pitch with moisture. The Indian bowlers took advantage of the conditions, with Mohammed Siraj and Jaydev Unadkat causing trouble for the West Indies top order. However, it was Ashwin who made the most impact, taking crucial early wickets and setting the tone for India’s dominant performance.

One of Ashwin’s key wickets was Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and with this dismissal, he became the fifth bowler to dismiss a father-son pair in Test cricket. He later got the important wicket of West Indies’ captain Kraigg Brathwaite as well. Alongside Ashwin, Jadeja also contributed to the team’s success with his three wickets.

Despite some resistance from West Indies, including a partnership between Athanaze and Jason Holder, India’s bowlers continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Alzarri Joseph, sent in ahead of Rahkeem Cornwall, could only manage four runs before getting dismissed by Ashwin. Cornwall tried to counter-attack with two boundaries, but he was eventually dismissed by Jadeja. Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican also fell quickly, bringing an end to West Indies’ innings.

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Overall, it was a fantastic day for India, thanks to Ashwin’s five-wicket haul and Jadeja’s excellent support. The bowlers dominated the West Indies batting lineup and put the Indian team in a strong position at the end of the first day’s play. The focus will now shift to India’s batting performance as they look to build a substantial lead in this Test match.

Reporting by Hemant Brar, a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo