India took firm control of the opening day, thanks to a brilliant bowling display led by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah followed by a composed half-century from KL Rahul. (Image credit: Agencies)
NEW DELHI: India seized firm control on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies, thanks to an outstanding bowling performance by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, complemented by a composed half-century from KL Rahul.
After a formidable bowling display saw them dismiss the visitors for just 162, India concluded the day at 121/2, trailing by a mere 41 runs with eight wickets still in hand.
SIRAJ AND BUMRAH’S BOWLING MASTERCLASS
The day began with West Indies electing to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired under the onslaught of Siraj and Bumrah. Siraj was exceptional, claiming 4/40, including three crucial wickets in a fiery opening spell and another after lunch. Jasprit Bumrah (3/32) provided perfect support, dismantling the middle order with his pace and precision.
The Caribbean side struggled to build any momentum. Despite brief resistance from Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and Roston Chase (24), no batter could establish a substantial innings. Kuldeep Yadav (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/9) also contributed with vital wickets, helping to bundle out West Indies in just 44.1 overs.
RAHUL STANDS FIRM
In response, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a steady foundation. Jaiswal adopted a patient approach initially, scoring just 4 runs off his first 36 balls before accelerating with a series of boundaries. He quickly reached 36 off 54 deliveries but was eventually caught behind off Jayden Seales while attempting a cut shot too close to his body.
Sai Sudharsan’s time at the crease was brief. After narrowly avoiding a run-out mishap with Rahul, he misjudged a pull shot against Roston Chase and was trapped lbw for a modest 7 runs.
Amidst these dismissals, KL Rahul remained unperturbed, displaying remarkable calm and composure. He navigated the early movement of the new ball skillfully and reached his 20th Test half-century, concluding the day unbeaten on 53 runs from 114 deliveries, including six boundaries. Skipper Shubman Gill offered solid support with a cautious 18 not out, ensuring India maintained their strong position.
The West Indies bowlers showed glimpses of promise, particularly Seales, who created difficulties for the Indian top order with his bounce and movement. However, debutant Johann Layne struggled with his line and length, inadvertently easing pressure on the Indian batters.
INDIA ON TOP
With just 41 runs separating them from West Indies’ total and eight wickets remaining, India is in an excellent position to establish a significant first-innings lead on Day 2. If Rahul and Gill can extend their partnership and the middle order contributes effectively, India will aim to put West Indies entirely out of contention early in this two-Test series.