Shamik Chakrabarty in Ahmedabad
Day 3 of the first Test between India and the West Indies here in Ahmedabad started with three possibilities. India were on 448/5 overnight, and the first possibility was to declare on that score. The second option was to bat until lunch, for that would have given the likes of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy some batting time out there in the middle. The third choice was not to declare at all.
The hosts chose the first option, ostensibly to make use of the early morning moisture. The pitch already had a few spots as well, and scoring 286 runs to make India bat again was always beyond the Caribbeans. They folded up for 146 to lose the Test by an innings and 140 runs. West Indies were bundled out about half-an-hour before tea.
The tourists took three Indian wickets on Day 2. In the first session on Day 3, they lost five. The game was all but over, only formalities remained. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj combined to take seven West Indies wickets. The all-rounder returned with 4/54 on top of his 104 not out. The fast bowler took 3/31 to have a seven-wicket match haul. Kuldeep Yadav had a brace. Jadeja took the Man-of-the-Match award.
The West Indies cricket went deeper in the mire, but there’s a silver lining in the cloud. Standing amid the ruins, Alick Athanaze showed good technique against spin and top-class temperament until he was deceived by Washington Sundar for 38. Being hit on head by a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer probably had affected his composure. West Indies cricket needs to invest in talents like Athanaze.
The 26-year-old from Dominica picks the length early and his footwork is decisive. It’s easy to run down the West Indies after another horror show. But only a handful of nations play this sport, and in crisis, they need support.
Brief scores: West Indies 162 (Justin Greaves 32; Mohammed Siraj 4-32) and 146 (Alick Athanaze 38; Ravindra Jadeja 4/54) lost to India 448/5 decl. (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*; Roston Chase 2/90) by an innings and 140 runs.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news
Also read Dhruv Jurel dedicates maiden Test ton to Indian Army