The India vs West Indies Test Series 2023 has kicked off with a bang as Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a stellar performance in the first match, helping India secure a comprehensive victory. The highly anticipated series has garnered significant attention from cricket enthusiasts.
Head-to-head records reveal that Team India has won 23 test matches against the Caribbean team, while losing 30 matches in the 99 Tests they have played so far. India has had the upper hand in the last two decades. It is worth noting that West Indies’ last Test victory against India came two decades ago, in May 2002.
When it comes to encounters on West Indian soil, India has displayed their prowess by emerging victorious in 10 out of the 52 Tests played, while suffering defeat in 16 matches. The last time these two teams clashed before the 2023 series was in 2019 when India whitewashed the home team 2-0.
Also Read: India vs West Indies 2023 Schedule: Tests, ODIs & T20Is Dates, Venues, Timings and All You Need To Know
The first test of the India vs West Indies Test Series 2023 witnessed an outstanding performance from Ravichandran Ashwin, propelling India to a commanding win by an innings and 141 runs. The second test is scheduled to take place from July 20th to July 24th at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
In the opening match, West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first. However, they failed to post a substantial total on the scoreboard and were bowled out for just 150 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his brilliance by taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings, conceding only 60 runs in 24.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja complemented Ashwin’s performance with three wickets in his 14 overs.
The Indian team also introduced two talented left-handed batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, making their Test cricket debuts in the first match against West Indies. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the promising opener, seized the opportunity with both hands and played a magnificent innings of 171 runs off 387 deliveries. His knock included 16 boundaries and a towering six.
The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, showcased his class by scoring a century, contributing 103 runs off 221 deliveries, which consisted of 10 boundaries and two sixes. Virat Kohli, known for his consistency, played a crucial innings of 76 runs off 182 deliveries, featuring five boundaries.
However, it was Ravichandran Ashwin who stole the show in the second innings as well. He once again took a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 7 for 71 in 21.3 overs. With this remarkable feat, Ashwin joined an elite group of Indian bowlers who have achieved the distinction of taking the most 10-wicket match-hauls for India, a list that includes Anil Kumble and himself.
Ashwin’s outstanding performance also solidified his position in the record books. He now shares the record for the most five-fors in India vs West Indies Tests with Malcolm Marshall, both having accomplished this feat six times. Additionally, Ashwin has amassed an impressive total of 72 wickets in matches between India and West Indies, placing him fourth on the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in these encounters.
Furthermore, Ashwin etched his name in history by becoming one of the few Indian bowlers to secure a five-wicket haul in each innings of an away Test match. This achievement places him alongside legendary names such as Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Venkatesh Prasad, and Irfan Pathan.
As the India vs West Indies Test Series 2023 progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more remarkable performances from players on both sides. With India’s commanding victory in the first test, the team has set the tone for the series. The West Indies team will be determined to bounce back and offer stiff competition to the visitors in the remaining matches.
Cricket fans can catch all the action of the India vs West Indies Test Series 2023 on their preferred broadcast channels, ensuring they don’t miss out on the thrilling contests between these two cricketing powerhouses.
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