Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stunning performance, leading India to a strong position on Day 1 of the first Test against West Indies in Port of Spain, on Thursday. India bowled out the West Indies for a meager 162 runs and closed their innings at 121 for 2, trailing by just 41 runs.
Siraj starred with the ball, grabbing 4 wickets for 40 runs, while Bumrah supported him well with 3 for 32. Siraj’s fiery spell in the morning saw him claim three early wickets, showcasing his impressive pace and swing. He returned post-lunch to claim another wicket, leaving the West Indies struggling. Kuldeep Yadav added to the visitors’ woes with two wickets for 25 runs, while Washington Sundar chipped in with one wicket at just 9 runs from 5 overs.
The West Indies batting lineup faltered against India’s relentless attack. Only Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and skipper Roston Chase (24) provided any resistance. The rest of the batting crumbled under pressure, managing only a handful of runs between them.
In response, India started their innings steadily. Despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 36 to Jayden Seales, KL Rahul anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten score of 53 runs off 114 balls. His knock demonstrated patience and skill, ensuring that India’s innings remained steady even amidst challenging conditions, including a brief rain interruption.
Skipper Shubman Gill assisted Rahul, remaining not out on 18 runs as the team’s confidence grew. India’s strong position on Day 1 set the tone for the remainder of the match, as they eye a strong start in this two-Test series.
With Siraj and Bumrah wreaking havoc with the ball and Rahul stepping up with the bat, India’s chances of taking control in the series appear bright. As the match unfolds, Indian fans are keenly watching to see if the bowlers can maintain their momentum in the coming days.
