India took command of the opening Take a look at in opposition to the West Indies on the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, unleashing a ruthless tempo assault earlier than consolidating with the bat.
– Commercial –
Mohammed Siraj (4-40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-42) had been the chief destroyers, combining to bundle out the guests for a modest 162 in simply 44.1 overs.
Siraj’s spell was electrical, dismantling the highest order with sharp motion and bounce. Bumrah, medical as ever, polished off the tail with a pair of trademark yorkers that rattled the stumps.
The collapse started early: Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s return ended with a first-over duck, whereas John Campbell departed on evaluate to Bumrah. Brandon King’s promising begin was minimize brief when he shouldered arms to a ball that crashed into his center stump, and Alick Athanaze adopted quickly after, edging Siraj to slide.
From 42-4, the West Indies by no means really recovered. Shai Hope (26) and Roston Chase (21) stitched collectively a 48-run stand, however their resistance was damaged by Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled Hope with a teasing supply that dipped and turned sharply. Siraj eliminated Chase after lunch, Washington Sundar trapped Khary Pierre leg-before, and the tail crumbled beneath Bumrah’s late burst. Solely Justin Greaves (32) confirmed any vital combat.
Rahul’s composed half-century
India’s reply was led by Ok.L. Rahul, who displayed resilience and magnificence en path to an unbeaten 53 — his twentieth Take a look at fifty. With six crisp boundaries and an array of late drives and cuts, Rahul anchored the innings with measured authority regardless of briefly wincing from a hamstring niggle.
He first mixed with debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, who struck 36 earlier than edging behind off Jayden Seales. B. Sai Sudharsan managed solely seven on debut, falling lbw to Roston Chase, however Rahul’s composure ensured stability. Shubman Gill (18 not out) provided regular help as India closed at 121-2, trailing by solely 41 runs with eight wickets intact.
Place of energy
By stumps, India had not solely neutralized the guests’ bowling but in addition positioned themselves for a dominant first-innings lead. With Rahul and Gill settled and circumstances anticipated to ease additional on Day Two, the hosts seem poised to increase their benefit.
The West Indies, against this, will want a unprecedented effort to claw again into the competition after being outplayed with each bat and ball on the opening day.
