Ravindra Jadejas all-round heroics power India to thumping innings victory in 1st Test against West Indies
Ravindra Jadeja's picked up a four-wicket haul on Day 3 to ran through the West Indies batting line-up in their second innings as India recorded a thumping victory by an innings and 140 runs in the 1st Test in Ahmedabad.
After his unbeaten 104 in India's first innings, Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc with the ball to help India thrash West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the 1st Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to go 1-0 up in the two-match series. On a track, offering turn on Day 3, Jadeja ran through the West Indies' top order to finish with a 4-wicket haul as India bundled out the visitors for a paltry 146 runs in their second innings to wrap up a commanding win.
After centuries from KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125), and Jadeja (104*) helped India post a mammoth 448/5 at stumps on Day 2, the hosts decided to declare their innings with a strong 286-run lead at the start of Day 3 on Saturday. India decided not to bat on Day 3 to utilise the assistance from the pitch that might be on offer early in the morning.
While the pacers didn't get much help, the spinners soon came to the party to reduce West Indies to tatters. After Mohammed Siraj drew the first blood for India by removing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Jadeja swept through West Indies' top order to leave the visitors tottering at 66/5 at Lunch.
Jadeja's magnificent spell put India on the cusp of a commanding victory, and it didn't take the hosts long to wrap up a win in style. Post Lunch, Washington Sundar removed Alick Athanaze, who was the only West Indies batter to put up a fight with a gritty 38 off 74 balls in their second innings.
Siraj then got rid of Justin Greaves and Jomel Warrican to finish with a three-wicket haul, while Jadeja dismissed Johann Layne to finish with excellent figures of 4/54 off his 13 overs. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with two wickets, including the final West Indies scalp of Jayden Seales, who scored a quickfire 22 with some lusty blows against the Indian spinners.
Dominant India return to winning ways at home
India crushed West Indies in the first Test in Ahmedabad to return to winning ways at home after their humiliating 0-3 series whitewash against New Zealand last year. A lot has changed since India's defeat to New Zealand, which ended the hosts' dominance at home. With Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma retired, Shubman Gill-led India are ushering into a new era. However, Jadeja remains the constant in whites.
The all-rounder once again proved why he is one of the most valuable players in the Indian Test team with his all-round show against West Indies in Ahmedabad. Nonetheless, it was also a near-flawless team effort from India that set up a commanding victory for the hosts in the series opener.
On day 1, Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) dominated the proceedings to skittle out West Indies for 162. In reply, India produced a remarkable batting display to end any hopes of a comeback from the visitors. Three batters slammed tons to power the hosts to a huge total of 448/5, helping them amass a 286-run lead.
Rahul showcased his class and composure with a brilliant ton, while Jurel rose to the occasion with an excellent knock of 125 runs, making merry in Ahmedabad. After his heroics in England, Jadeja continued his impressive run with the bat at home with an unbeaten 104.
The 286-run lead proved too much for West Indies as they failed to even get close to overhauling it. The visitors suffered a spectacular collapse as Indian bowlers once again dominated the proceedings to skittle them out for 146 and secure a thumping win for India.
The innings and 140-run victory is India's third-biggest win against West Indies in Test cricket. The two teams will now lock horns in the 2nd and final Test of the two match series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, starting October 10.