Welcome to the exciting live coverage of Day 3 of the first Test between India and West Indies! India has truly dominated the match, setting the stage for a convincing win.
Day 2 saw India asserting massive control over the West Indies. Resuming their innings at 121/2, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill quickly wiped out the deficit. Rahul finally ended his long wait for a home century, scoring a brilliant 100 off 197 balls, his eleventh in Test cricket. Gill also made a significant contribution with a solid 98 before being dismissed just after reaching his fifty.
However, the real highlight was the sensational partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja. Jurel, playing in only his sixth Test, notched up his maiden Test century, while Jadeja continued his incredible form with a well-deserved 104. Together, they forged a formidable 206-run stand for the fifth wicket, narrowly missing the Indian record of 214 held by legends VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
Both batsmen displayed a perfect blend of aggression and control. Jurel showcased his power with a six over midwicket, while Jadeja delighted fans with five towering sixes, surpassing MS Dhoni for the most maximums by an Indian in Tests. Their celebrations were heartfelt and memorable: KL Rahul dedicated his century to his infant daughter, Jurel offered a gun-salute to the Indian Army, and Jadeja performed his signature sword celebration.
India batted with remarkable patience and authority, accumulating 448/5 in 128 overs at a brisk run rate of 3.50, including 45 boundaries and eight sixes. In stark contrast, the West Indies bowlers struggled immensely to make an impact. Their attack lacked energy and bite throughout Day 2. Despite Roston Chase (2/90) and debutant Khary Pierre managing occasional breakthroughs, the overall bowling effort was ineffective. The spin trio, including Warrican, found some turn and bounce from the rough patches but failed to maintain consistent pressure.
Compounding their bowling woes, fielding lapses, including crucial early misses, allowed Indian batsmen like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill to settle in comfortably, and later, Jurel and Jadeja to accelerate without significant threat. By the end of Day 2, the visitors were literally batted out of the game, struggling to regain any control.
With a massive 286-run lead and spinners ready to exploit a pitch that offers appreciable turn and bounce, India is well-positioned to push for a decisive victory by the end of Day 3. The hosts’ disciplined yet aggressive approach has placed immense pressure on the West Indies, hinting at a potential early finish and a dominant start to India’s World Test Championship campaign.
Playing XIs for Both Teams:
India:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
West Indies:
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- John Campbell
- Alick Athanaze
- Brandon King
- Shai Hope (wk)
- Roston Chase (c)
- Justin Greaves
- Jomel Warrican
- Khary Pierre
- Johann Layne
- Jayden Seales