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In a sensational performance, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was dropped for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, displayed his prowess as he claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul to help India bundle out the West Indies for a meager 150 runs in their first innings of the opening Test match at Windsor Park.
Ashwin's bowling masterclass saw him dismiss West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (20), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (12), Alick Athanaze (47), Alzarri Joseph (4), and Jomel Warrican (1). This impressive display swung the game in India's favor after the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first.
This remarkable achievement marked Ashwin's 33rd five-wicket haul in Test innings, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills and dominance on the field. Alongside Ashwin's brilliance, fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja contributed with figures of 3-26 off 14 overs, further solidifying India's commanding position in the first Test of the two-match series.
With a strong performance in bowling, India continued their dominance in the match as the new-look opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (40*) and skipper Rohit Sharma (30*) led the charge, adding an unbeaten 80 runs in 23 overs to India's scorecard without losing a wicket. The visitors now find themselves just 70 runs behind the West Indies' first-innings score, with all 10 wickets intact and in a prime position to post a substantial total and take control of the match.
Earlier in the day, debutant Alick Athanaze showed resilience with his bat, but unfortunately fell short after contributing 47 runs. India capitalized on their dominant display, reducing the West Indies to 137/8 in 58 overs at Tea.
The West Indies' below-par batting performance was marred by reckless shot selection, including the composed Athanaze's untimely departure. Batters perished while attempting aggressive strokes without displaying adequate patience, leaving room for improvement.
Athanaze showcased some impressive strokes, including a crisp drive for four off Ravindra Jadeja and a convincing boundary off Ashwin. However, Mohammed Siraj's persistence with short balls paid off as Jason Holder pulled one straight to deep square leg, breaking the 41-run partnership.
Ashwin returned to the attack and swiftly claimed his third wicket as Alzarri Joseph miscued a slog to backward point. This dismissal also marked a significant milestone for Ashwin, as he reached the milestone of 700 wickets, placing him third among Indian bowlers in terms of most international wickets, following Anil Kumble (956) and Harbhajan Singh (711).
In the 55th over, Ashwin skillfully contained Athanaze on three deliveries, and on the last ball of the over, the left-hander attempted a pull shot over midwicket but only managed to sky it, resulting in a straightforward catch at mid-on. Athanaze fell agonizingly short of a half-century on his Test debut, missing out by just three runs.
Ashwin's exceptional performance with the ball has put India in a commanding position in the opening Test, and his impressive feat of taking a five-wicket haul has once again showcased his immense talent and value to the Indian cricket team.
Brief scores: West Indies 150 all out in 64.3 overs (Alick Athanaze 47, Kraigg Brathwaite 20; Ravichandran Ashwin 5-60, Ravindra Jadeja 3-26) lead India 80 without loss in 23 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal batting 40, Rohit Sharma batting 30) by 70 runs.