Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his exceptional skills and mastery of spin bowling as he led India to a resounding victory by an innings and 141 runs over the West Indies in the first Test. The match concluded in just three days and saw Ashwin wreak havoc on a turning pitch, claiming impressive figures of 7-71 in the second innings and 12-131 overall.
After being dismissed for 150 in their first innings, West Indies were bundled out for a mere 130 runs in less than 51 overs during their second innings. The Indian spinner’s exceptional performance ensured the Caribbean batters had no respite.
The match also witnessed a remarkable innings by India’s young opener and debutant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who notched up an outstanding 171 runs. Jaiswal’s exceptional display was accompanied by captain Rohit Sharma’s brilliant contribution of 103 runs and Virat Kohli‘s 76 runs.
After gaining a commanding lead of 271 runs, India declared their first innings at 421-5, setting the stage for their bowlers to take control of the match. The decision paid off well as the world’s no.1 ranked Test bowler, Ashwin, did not disappoint and bagged seven scalps to quickly wrap up the Caribbean line-up. The off-spinner got able support from Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed two wickets.
Ashwin’s remarkable performance in the match (12-131) also marked his eighth 10-wicket haul in the longest format, equalling the record set by the legendary Anil Kumble for India. They now share the fifth spot on the all-time list of players achieving this feat.
The sensational performance by Yashasvi and Ashwin eventually led India to a massive win by an innings and 141 runs. The Indian side will now take on West Indies in the second and final Test of the tour at Queen’s Park Oval from July 12.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A no-contest. Clearly India favourite going into the test match but I didn't expect the West Indies to be so dire. Their cricket has seen lows before but they are finding new ones across formats now. Sad for a lover of Caribbean cricket
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 15, 2023
Real scenes 👍😂 pic.twitter.com/mNMPol0Umj
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) July 14, 2023
INDIA WON FIRST TEST MATCH.
India beat West Indies by innings and 141 runs, a dream start in new WTC cycle.
Stars are Ashwin with 12 wickets, hundreds by Rohit & Jaiswal. pic.twitter.com/r8jjiW9jSp
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 14, 2023
India beat West Indies by an innings and 141 runs: https://t.co/e9J5Qw4Isq#WIvIND #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EWCUThJM7z
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 15, 2023
How good were these two in Dominica! 👏 👏#TeamIndia | #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/4D5LYcCmxB
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 15, 2023
#India wins 1ST Test against #WestIndies by an innings and 141 runs! #YashasviJaiswal man of match for his brilliant century on debut, while #Ashwin bags 12 wickets in the test! #INDvsWI
— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) July 15, 2023
And the Streak Continues..
India remained unbeaten in Last 24 Tests against Westindies 💥
12 wickets for Ash 👏👏#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/RcAaDk9vhT
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) July 14, 2023
Bowlers to take 12+ wickets in a Test match most times:
6 – ASHWIN (93 Tests)
6 – Muralitharan (133)
5 – Herath (93)
4 – Barnes (27)
4 – Fazal Mahmood (34)#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/MfYliM3Yoh— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) July 14, 2023
Debut Aesa Karo Ki 4 Log dekhte
Reh jaye 😎🥂Well Played #YashasviJaiswal 👏🏻#INDvsWI #TestCricket #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/4BbdSLZsCq
— Mr. Tej (@I_m_tej) July 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/ItsRahulRoy19/status/1680035372728999936
We won, India won.
Incredible batting by Captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal and great bowling by Ashwin.
A classical Test win by more than hundred runs and an innings. pic.twitter.com/CFxOTqrRRP
— _mr_Stoic_ (@Mr_Stoic45) July 15, 2023