Siraj and Bumrah Power India to Dominant Start Against West Indies
India's new-look Test team shrugged off any concerns about a transition period, producing a dominant display to take complete control on the opening day of their home series against the West Indies. Led by a fiery spell from Mohammed Siraj, the Indian pace attack dismantled the visitors, bowling them out for a paltry 162 before a composed half-century from KL Rahul put the hosts firmly in the driver's seat.
Siraj Runs Rampant with the New Ball
Continuing the relentless form he showed in England, Mohammed Siraj was the chief architect of the West Indies' collapse. He was sensational with the new ball, claiming four of the first five wickets to fall. Focusing on a full length and attacking the stumps, Siraj gave the batters no respite.
His brilliant spell was a showcase of skill and strategy. He expertly set up Alick Athanaze, luring the inexperienced batsman into a loose drive with a fuller delivery that was caught at slip. He later produced a moment of genius with a wobble-seam delivery from a steep angle to dismiss the West Indian captain, Roston Chase, caught behind off a leading edge.
A Collective Bowling Masterclass
While Siraj led the charge, he was brilliantly supported by the rest of the attack. Jasprit Bumrah was at his lethal best, claiming three wickets and reaching the milestone of 50 Test wickets in India in record time. His spectacular yorker to dismiss Justin Greaves, a delivery set up after spotting a flaw in the batsman's technique, was a highlight of the day.
Kuldeep Yadav also made an immediate impact upon his return to the side. Having been on the sidelines for the entire England tour, he struck with just his eighth delivery, producing a classic wrist-spinner's dismissal to bowl Shai Hope through the gate with a ball that drifted, dipped, and turned sharply.
West Indies' Batting Frailties Exposed
After choosing to bat first on a good surface, the West Indies' batting performance was a story of poor shot selection and a failure to build partnerships. The top order crumbled, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul out for a duck and Brandon King inexplicably leaving a straight delivery that crashed into his middle stump. Their inability to counter the discipline of the Indian bowlers meant they were bundled out before the tea interval, a deeply disappointing start to their campaign.
Rahul Anchors a Steady Reply
In response, India’s innings showed brief signs of vulnerability. The new number three, Sai Sudharsan, was dismissed cheaply, a reminder of the rebuilding phase the team is in without several of its modern-day legends.
However, KL Rahul quickly erased any concerns with a mature and chanceless innings. Looking composed and in complete control, he anchored the reply with a no-nonsense half-century, ensuring India capitalized on their bowlers' superb performance. At the close of play, India was 121 for 2, trailing by just 41 runs and in an overwhelmingly dominant position to dictate the rest of the match.
Key Day 1 Highlights
Siraj's Four-Wicket Haul: Mohammed Siraj was the standout performer, ripping through the West Indies top order to finish with figures of 4 for 40.
Visitors Skittled for 162: After choosing to bat first, the West Indies were bowled out for a meager 162, with their innings barely lasting into the second session.
Rahul's Composed Half-Century: KL Rahul anchored India's reply with an unbeaten 53, guiding the hosts to a position of strength at the close of play.
Dominant Position for India: At stumps, India was 121 for 2, trailing by just 41 runs with eight wickets in hand, firmly in control of the opening Test.
