Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah showcased their exceptional bowling skills as they rattled the West Indies, bundling them out for a mere 162 runs on the opening day of the first Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. The prowess of the Indian pace attack set a dominant tone for the match.
Siraj, leading the attack, delivered a remarkable performance, taking 4 wickets for just 40 runs. He struck thrice in the morning session with a fiery spell, returning to claim an additional wicket after lunch. Bumrah, displaying his signature yorkers and relentless accuracy, supported Siraj brilliantly, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 32 runs. Together, they left the Windies batting line-up in disarray.
Alongside Siraj and Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav contributed significantly, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs. Washington Sundar joined in as well, bagging 1 wicket for only 9 runs. Despite their efforts, the West Indies batsmen struggled to find their rhythm, with only a few players offering resistance. Justin Greaves top-scored with 32 runs, followed by Shai Hope with 26 and captain Roston Chase adding 24 runs.
In response, India finished the day at 121 runs for the loss of 2 wickets, trailing by just 41 runs. KL Rahul emerged as the standout performer during the evening session, exhibiting patience and skill as he stalled the West Indies’ momentum. Rahul ended the day unbeaten on 53 runs off 114 balls. He received solid support from skipper Shubman Gill, who remained not out on 18.
The Indian batting lineup displayed resilience, especially after an early wobble. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal started briskly with a quick 36 runs but fell to Jayden Seales. Debutant B Sai Sudharsan faced challenges, contributing only 7 runs before being dismissed cheaply by Chase.
Despite a brief rain interruption, India’s solid partnership between Rahul and Gill ensured that they remained on top of the game. Their strategy of pacing the innings with calm determination bodes well for the remainder of the match.
As the first day concluded, India aims to capitalize on their strong performance, seeking to gain control of this two-Test series right from the start. The team’s synergy and effective bowling have set a solid foundation for the upcoming sessions. Fans eagerly await how the match unfolds on Day 2.
