Match referee Andy Pycroft, who recently found himself at the center of a much-talked-about Asia Cup handshake controversy, received an overwhelmingly positive welcome on Thursday as he took charge of the India vs West Indies 1st Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The incident that brought Pycroft into the spotlight occurred in September when he reportedly asked captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to forgo the traditional pre-match handshake during an India-Pakistan toss. This unexpected request sparked a significant dispute, even leading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to call for his immediate removal. The controversy further intensified during Pakistan’s subsequent game against the UAE, which experienced delays due to urgent discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) before Pakistan eventually agreed to proceed.
However, putting past drama aside, Thursday’s match began with a refreshing sense of normalcy. Veteran presenter Ravi Shastri introduced Pycroft with warmth, saying, “Back in the house all the way from Dubai in the hot seat, Andy Pycroft,” to a receptive crowd.
The game also marked a significant occasion for Indian cricket as Shubman Gill made his home debut as Test captain for Team India. The West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Reflecting on the team’s readiness, Captain Gill stated at the toss, “We have got four Tests (at home) before the end of the year, and we would like to win all four. Preparation has been good. Everyone is in great touch, it is about getting into the red-ball mindset. It looks like a very good surface. Not disappointed with losing the toss, it has been under covers and there might be some help early on.”
He further elaborated on the team’s balance, “We have two seamers – Bumrah and Siraj, three spinners – Jaddu Bhai, Washington and Kuldeep, and allrounder Nitish Reddy.”
With captains exchanging handshakes after the toss and both teams ready for action, the match promised a competitive and engaging spectacle, thankfully free from any lingering off-field controversies.
Playing XIs:
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (w), 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 (w), Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales