India vs West Indies 1st Test Day 1 Highlights: Siraj Rattles Windies in Ahmedabad
Test cricket returned to India with a bang as Mohammed Siraj tore through the West Indies top order, leaving the visitors reeling at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Day 1 of the opening Test.
By the end of the second session, West Indies were battling at 143/6 after 37 overs, with debutant Khary Pierre and Justin Greaves attempting to rescue their side from a collapse.
This match also marked a special occasion — Shubman Gill’s first Test as captain on home soil, adding an extra layer of anticipation for Indian fans.
Siraj Strikes Early and Often
India’s fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj wasted no time making an impact. He dismissed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul in just his fourth over, setting the tone for the morning. From there, wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
- John Campbell edged behind after a sharp Jasprit Bumrah delivery — a dismissal confirmed by DRS.
- Alick Athanaze fell to a classic Siraj outswinger, gifting KL Rahul a simple slip catch.
- Brandon King misjudged a swinging delivery and was bowled after leaving the ball — a nightmare for any batter.
By the 12th over, West Indies had slumped to 42/4, leaving their middle order under severe pressure.
Hope and Chase Offer Brief Resistance
For a while, it seemed West Indies might claw back into the game. Roston Chase and Shai Hope put together a gritty partnership, resisting India’s relentless bowling attack. They combined for a 45-run stand, showcasing patience and occasional flair.
Chase, in particular, looked determined, employing clever shots such as the reverse sweep against Kuldeep Yadav. Hope, on the other hand, punished anything loose with crisp backfoot punches.
However, just before lunch, Kuldeep Yadav — playing his first Test after a long break — bowled Shai Hope with a stunning delivery, leaving the visitors staggering at 90/5 at the interval.
Afternoon Session: Siraj Nearly Bags a Fifer
The second session began with West Indies hoping to rebuild. Instead, Siraj struck again, removing captain Roston Chase with a fiery delivery that carried to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
It could have been even better for Siraj — he thought he had his fifth wicket when Justin Greaves was given out LBW. But the review showed the ball missing the stumps, denying Siraj what would have been his first Test fifer on home soil.
Even so, Siraj’s 4/53 at that stage was a masterclass in pace bowling, and fans erupted at the thought of him overtaking legends on the Indian bowling charts.
Debutant Pierre Shows Some Fight
One of the brighter moments for West Indies came when Khary Pierre, on Test debut, confidently stroked a boundary through the covers to get off the mark. For a side in trouble, it was a moment of relief.
Justin Greaves also showed grit, adding some crucial boundaries and surviving a dropped catch by KL Rahul. Yet, with the score only creeping past 140/6, the visitors remain in dire straits.
India’s Bowling Unit: United and Relentless
While Siraj dominated the headlines, credit must also go to India’s well-balanced bowling attack:
- Jasprit Bumrah delivered tight spells, conceding just 31 runs in 11 overs and picking up a crucial wicket.
- Kuldeep Yadav reminded fans of his wicket-taking magic, striking in just his second over.
- Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja kept things tight, testing the batters with controlled spin.
Captain Shubman Gill’s decision to use three spinners — Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Sundar — seems to be paying off, particularly on a pitch already showing signs of grip.
West Indies: What Next?
At 143/6, the West Indies have a mountain to climb. Their goal will be to scrape past 200 runs, giving their bowlers something to defend. The likes of Justin Greaves and Khary Pierre hold the key, but with India’s attack so relentless, survival looks as much a challenge as scoring runs.
It’s worth remembering that West Indies entered this Test short on experience. With top pacers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph missing, much of the burden falls on Jayden Seales. But unless the batters put up a fight, even their bowling unit may not have enough to hold back India’s strong batting lineup.
India’s Perspective: Gill’s Big Test
For India, this match isn’t just about taking a 1-0 lead in the series. It’s also about testing new combinations and young talent.
- Shubman Gill’s captaincy will be closely watched, especially as he manages an attack featuring both youth and experience.
- Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 has another chance to prove he belongs in Test cricket.
- Dhruv Jurel, keeping wickets in place of Rishabh Pant, has already impressed with sharp catches behind the stumps.
India look in control, but cricket fans know momentum can shift quickly — and Test cricket often has a way of surprising us.
Score Summary: India vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1
- West Indies 143/6 (37 overs)
- Top scorers: Justin Greaves (30*), Roston Chase (24), Shai Hope (22)
- India’s top bowlers: Mohammed Siraj (4 wickets), Bumrah (1), Kuldeep (1)
Final Word
Day 1 of the India vs West Indies 1st Test in Ahmedabad belonged squarely to Mohammed Siraj and India’s bowlers. With West Indies already six down, it seems only a matter of how soon India can wrap up the innings.
Can the visitors fight back with the ball, or is this the start of another one-sided contest? For now, fans can only marvel at Siraj’s fiery spell — a performance that might define this series.