The new WTC cycle started for India in tour of West Indies. And it’s a pretty good start. India won by an innings and 141 runs.
So, here are the key takeaways from the match:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal cemented his place in the starting 11
- Ashwin proved yet again why he is the must-have
- More like the same please
- Yashasvi Jaiswal cemented his place in the starting 11:
What a debut! 171 and historic record of third-best debut score for Team India in test cricket. He is just 21 and played as if he has been doing this since years. It was indeed written in the stars. Despite difficult pitch, he managed to pull off such a brilliant knock with his sheer patience and persistence. A lesson for all test cricketers. He also broke the record for most balls faced (387) by an Indian in test debut. He played like a perfect test cricketer as he exquisitely balanced his batting knowing when to attack and when to defend, a quality for a test match batsman. He also registered another record to his name: highest individual test score at Windsor Park, Dominica. All eyes would be on him in the second test as how amazing he is when he is on the crease and fans would like to see some more wonders from this upcoming young brilliant talent. Undoubtedly, he was awarded the player of the match and it was a dream come true for him. Yashasvi said after the match that “this is just the start, and with God’s grace and blessings, there is more to come”. He added, “its been a long journey to reach to this stage, and it feels good that India won. Hopefully, I will keep contributing to many more wins for Team India and the rest will fall into its place automatically. This (player of the match) trophy would be alive in my memories for a long, long time, and I would like to thank all for the love and support in achieving this”. He was just fantastic in this season’s IPL, and he proved that selectors did not make any mistake by selecting him for this tour and giving him a chance to prove himself in test cricket. With 16 fours and a six, he thumped his entry into international test cricket and we are in the zone for many more classics from him. He batted all 3 days, which shows his excellent stamina and temperament. He is indeed the legend in the making.
- Ashwin proved yet again why he is the must-have:
5 wickets in first innings and 7 in second. This speaks volumes of his ability and capability. His magical, intelligent, and tricky bowling absolutely outclassed the opposition. He is one of the most mysterious spinners ever to grace the pitch. We are lucky to have him in our team. He has proved himself match-winner many times and this time yet again, stole the show. We can call him the next Anil Kumble, the legend of Indian cricket team. The variations Ashwin does is something extraordinary, its just too difficult to read his mind and what type of bowl he will bowl next. He catches the batsman many times with his googly. This 10-wicket haul was his 8th of his career. What an achievement! Also, he became only the 3rd Indian player to take 700 wickets in international cricket. That’s amazing, isn’t it? Test cricket is the toughest format of the game and the performances he has presented during his career so far is just remarkable. He is expert at varying the pace, flight, and spin of the ball. He can bowl conventional off-spin, carrom ball (a delivery that moves like a leg-spinner), and also uses the ‘doosra,’ a delivery that spins away from the right-handed batsman, to keep the batsmen guessing. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to consistently land the ball in the right areas. He often maintains a tight line and length, making it difficult for batsmen to score freely off him. He has a remarkable ability to take wickets at crucial moments. He possesses a wide range of skills that allow him to dismiss top-order batsmen and break crucial partnerships. He is known for his cricketing intelligence and tactical acumen. He is an astute reader of the game and adapts his bowling strategy according to the situation, pitch conditions, and the batsman’s weaknesses. His fitness level is commendable, which allows him to bowl long spells without losing his effectiveness. This stamina also helps him perform consistently in all formats of the game. In a nutshell, he is the perfect cricketer and India’s chances of victory automatically escalates if we play Ash-win.
- More like the same please:
The second test begins on 20th July 2023 (Thursday) and we are hoping for similar performance (or even better) from our national cricket Team India which involves Jaiswal’s batting, Ash’s bowling, and many more classy moments from the lads. Skipper Rohit to add on to his century, King Kohli to handle the middle-order, Siraj to take such sublime diving catches and overall outstanding performance from Jadeja. We may see some changes in the starting 11, like inclusion of Mukesh Kumar to test his skills and some more ins and outs but all in all, it will be a nice balanced side which can get the job done for Team India and begin the new WTC cycle in style. Test cricket is a true test of a player’s skills, temperament, and endurance. The format demands patience, concentration, and tactical acumen from both batsmen and bowlers. We would love to watch Unadkat getting some wickets in the second test and gets appreciation for his hard-work and perseverance. Just like we dominated the first test, fans would be looking forward to more ruthless gig which can produce the similar outcome. In 1928, England beat Australia by 675 runs in the most destructive win in Test cricket match of all time. India can beat this record in the second test, we just have to go all guns blazing and play faster and more aggressive. Winning a Test match is a collective effort that requires every member of the team to contribute and perform their roles effectively. It also involves reading the game situation, making the right decisions at the right time, and maintaining the mental strength to endure the challenges of the format. Team must adapt to changing conditions and pitches, making necessary adjustments in their game plans. Patience is crucial, both while batting and bowling, as Test matches can often have ebbs and flows. Players need to be physically fit and mentally strong to maintain their performance throughout the five-days game. So, we have a good chance of creating history against a fragile WI side which can embark upon and show the world what we are capable of.
