On this day (July 14) in 2023, India registered a convincing three-day win over West Indies to kick-start their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on a high. Debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal and veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s 12-wicket haul were the highlights in India’s remarkable victory by an innings and 141 runs at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica.
Opting to bat first, West Indies were bowled out for a paltry score of 150 in the first innings on a good batting surface. Middle-order batter Alick Athanaze was their top-scorer with 47 runs. Ashwin wreaked havoc with a fifer, while Ravindra Jadeja shone with a three-wicket haul.
Batting in reply, the visitors made the most of the surface and posted a massive total of 421-5 before declaring. Both their openers – Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma – led the charge with their respective centuries. Skipper Rohit slammed a brilliant hundred (103), while his partner fell short of a record double hundred by just 29 runs in his maiden Test match. Former India captain Virat Kohli also contributed with 76 runs.
In the second innings, the Windies put up an even worse performance as they were bowled out for 130 runs in 50.3 overs. None of the batters managed to touch the 30-run mark as the Indian spin duo continued their heroics. Ashwin this time picked up seven wickets, while Jadeja took two.
India thus took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second match in Trinidad ended in a draw and the Men in Blue clinched the series. Jaiswal was adjudged Player of the Match for his 171 off 387.
Speaking after the match, the young lad said: Would like to thank all the selectors and Rohit bhai for having faith in me. It’s really nice, I have been working on this. I’ve been focusing on preparing well and having discipline. Playing Test cricket for India is very special and emotional for me. This is just the start, I need to keep my focus and keep working on my cricket.”