Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Oct 4: Ravindra Jadeja showcased his class with both bat and ball, claiming 4 wickets for 54 runs and an unbeaten century, as India crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the opening Test at Narendra Modi Stadium. This emphatic victory before tea on day three hands India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marks a flawless start to Shubman Gill’s tenure as Test captain on home soil.
Starting the day with a commanding lead of 286 runs following India’s declaration, the hosts quickly dismantled the West Indies’ batting lineup. The visitors were soon struggling at 46 for 5 in their second innings, with only a fleeting 46-run partnership between Alick Athanaze (38) and Justin Greaves (25) offering resistance before the innings folded in 45.1 overs.
West Indies’ inability to withstand India’s relentless bowling—bowling out for a total of 308 runs across both innings in under 90 overs—highlighted their ongoing challenges in Test cricket. Facing an uphill battle, the Caribbean side now look ahead to the final Test in New Delhi starting October 10, hoping for a far improved showing.
Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance was the highlight for India. Though narrowly missing a five-wicket haul, his unbeaten 104 proved crucial, complemented by Dhruv Jurel’s maiden Test century and KL Rahul’s steady hundred that helped build a mammoth first innings total of 488 for 5. This victory was especially sweet for India after last year’s home series whitewash against New Zealand.
Choosing not to give Nitish Kumar Reddy an opportunity with the bat, India’s declaration pushed for a swift finish. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj set the tone with incisive opening spells, with Siraj’s sharp short ball dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, aided by a spectacular diving catch from Nitish at square leg — a moment destined to go viral.
Jadeja then seized the initiative, outsmarting John Campbell with extra bounce and a drifting delivery, and cleverly deceiving Brandon King with a flighted ball that resulted in a mistimed edge. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed by outfoxing Roston Chase with a legbreak that crashed into the stumps. Shai Hope’s brief resistance was ended by Jadeja’s sharp bowling and a sharp catch from Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Despite the collapse, Athanaze displayed commendable skill and composure against India’s spinners, using deft footwork and inventive strokes, including reverse sweeps and cover drives, to remain unbeaten on 27 at lunch.
After the break, India’s bowlers continued their dominance. Washington Sundar and Bumrah combined effectively, breaking down the stubborn resistance of Athanaze and Greaves. Athanaze survived an LBW decision review thanks to replays showing a clear inside edge, and also passed a concussion test after a helmet blow from Bumrah.
His resistance ended when Sundar extracted sharp turn and induced a leading edge for a caught-and-bowled dismissal. Siraj then trapped Greaves lbw with a precise yorker, while Jomel Warrican’s aggressive approach led to a tame catch at mid-off. The West Indies batting unravelled further with Johann Layne and Khary Pierre’s brief boundary-scoring efforts cut short by Jadeja’s sharp fielding and bowling.
Jadeja’s catch to dismiss Layne and Kuldeep’s quick reflexes to take a catch off Seales’ bat ensured India wrapped up the match inside three days, handing the hosts a comprehensive and morale-boosting win.
Match Summary:
West Indies: 162 & 146 all out (Alick Athanaze 38, Justin Greaves 25; Ravindra Jadeja 4-54, Mohammed Siraj 3-31)
India: 488/5 declared (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*)
Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs