AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — West Indies lost half its batting attack by lunch on the first day of the first cricket test Thursday against India, reduced to 90-5 after winning the toss and deciding to bat.
Mohammed Siraj took 3-19 in seven overs, while Jasprit Bumrah (1-24) and Kuldeep Yadav (1-7) picked up a wicket each.
The visitors made a poor start as Siraj was on the money with the new ball. He struck early — Tagenarine Chanderpaul was caught behind for an 11-ball duck. Bumrah took a couple of overs to find his rhythm — he also struck in the seventh over as opener John Campbell was caught behind for eight runs.
Siraj put the morning conditions to good use. He swung the ball well and consistently hit a good length to trouble the batters repeatedly. West Indies’ batters looked eager to play their strokes and fell for some poor shot selection.
Skipper Roston Chase (22 not out) and Shai Hope added 48 runs for the fifth wicket. It was the best passage of play for West Indies as the experienced pair displayed more caution than the top order.
Shubman Gill led India for the first time on home soil — the new test skipper had previously been in in charge for a 2-2 away draw against England.
It marked the first time in 15 years that India played a home test without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. The trio retired over the past season — their previous appearance on home soil against New Zealand last October was a stunning 3-0 loss for India.
West Indies has not beaten India in their last 25 tests — home or away — dating to 2002.
The second test in the two-test series is set to begin Oct. 10 in New Delhi.
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