West Indies are down on the mat in the first Test after the Indian pacers wreaked havoc with the ball on the third day, making the hosts follow-on after bundling them for 243 in the first innings. Responding to India’s first innings total of 566, the hosts couldn’t come close to emulating them on the batting front, unable to put up a decent total against an inspired Indian attack.
Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav left the batsmen tottering with their pace and sharp bounce, picking up four wickets apiece. Wriddhiman Saha had a field day as well, effecting as many as six dismissals: five catches and one stumping. Kraigg Brathwaite, and later Shane Dowrich were the only two who could provide some sort of resistance against a red-hot Indian bowling attack. The pair of Dowrich and Jason Holder then tried to put in a partnership, but the second new ball extinguished all hopes of a miracle. Amit Mishra supported the pacers with two wickets, even as Ravichandran Ashwin returned wicketless.
Following on, Ishant Sharma gave a big blow to the hosts by snapping the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite, the highest scorer in their first innings. The West Indies finished the day on 21-1, still trailing by a mammoth 302 runs.
Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies’ vice-captain and top-scorer in their first innings:
“India's bowlers bowled really well, all of them stuck to their plans. Three pacers and two spinners, it was a lot to choose for them. It was not easy batting against them and it was a tough day of Test cricket for us. I enjoyed my stay there today. I do enjoy spending time in the middle. I have to keep strong and get to a big one in the next match. Got a bit of inswing in the second innings and couldn't put a big stride in. We have to bat an entire day tomorrow and hopefully get the lead on day 5”.
Here are a few reactions after the Indian bowling performance:
Virender Sehwag continued to leave his followers in splits with his tweets:
Aakash Chopra:
Harsha Bhogle lauded Team India's selection:
He also heaped praise on Shami's impressive spell:
Sanjay Manjrekar:
Mohammad Kaif:
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