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New Delhi, Nov 6: The first test of the three-match series between India and West Indies will be played at Firoz Shah Kotla ground today from 9.30 am onwards.
The match is significant for many reasons, first and foremost, for the much-awaited 100th ton by Sachin Tendulkar. The other reason being, after India's humiliating whitewash in the hands of England in England, Indian players as well as fans would want to regain the lost glory. Another reason is, after a gap of several months, India is playing with almost a full-fledged team, except for star bowler Zaheer Khan. Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Ishant Sharma are all set to make a comeback to the test team.
The first test will surely give a tough time to a few players looking to take their berth in the side.
Fans all over the world are waiting for Sachin's ton which is long due. It was expected ever since he scored the 99th century, and in every international match played by Tendulkar since then. In England, Sachin got the opportunity to play four test matches, but failed to reach the magic figure.
On paper, India will have a strong batting side. Newly-married Gautham Gambhir will open the innings with Sehwag, Rahul Dravid will be as usual the 'wall' of India. VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvaraj Singh and Dhoni will be hard to beat on Indian picthes.
It will be interesting to see who will make test debut here - leg spinner Rahul Sharma or speed machine Varun Aaron. Ishant and Praveen Kumar will open the bowling attack.
On the other hand, West Indians are suffering from injuries to some players and the team wants to preserve its players for next month's Australian tour. For West Indies, the upcoming West Indies tour will be more important than the current India series of three tests and five one-dayers.
Firoz Shah Kotla ground is hosting the test match after serving a 12-month ban for poor pitch conditions during for India - Sri Lanka series last year. According to Chethan Chouhan, DDCA vice president, the pitch has been prepared professionally and is expected to take the match for almost five days, with spinners expected to take advantage.
Teams:
India:
Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Sharma
West Indies :
Kieran Powell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh (wk), Darren Sammy (c), Ravi Rampaul, Fidel Edwards, Devendra Bishoo, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Shane Shillingford, Adrian Barath
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