Ahmedabad: India showcased a dominant performance on the opening day of the Test series against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 2. Despite it being a public holiday, the attendance was less than anticipated in the 132,000-capacity stadium. However, the cricket on display was impressive from the Indian side, as the hosts moved to within 41 runs of taking the lead, aiming for a single innings during the match.
After winning the toss, the West Indies chose to bat first, but Jasprit Bumrah quickly made his mark. Senior players KL Rahul and Shubman Gill safely guided India through to stumps, indicating their firm grip on the match. The West Indies offered some resistance but struggled significantly throughout the day, ultimately capitulating without mounting a serious challenge.
Bumrah initiated the wicket-taking spree, followed by Mohammed Siraj, who returned from a successful tour of England. Siraj’s performance was notable, as he claimed three wickets, rapidly reducing the West Indies from a promising 20/1 to a precarious 42/4. This decline was attributed to both Siraj’s effective bowling and the West Indies’ lack of application at the crease.
Roston Chase and Shai Hope managed to stabilize the innings momentarily, nearing the lunch break, before Kuldeep Yadav, making his return to Test cricket after nearly a year, struck. Hope was taken aback by a delivery that spun unexpectedly, leading to his dismissal. Following this, Chase also succumbed to Siraj, who earned his fourth wicket, with Dhruv Jurel impressively completing his third catch of the day.
