WATCH: India's pace duo of Bumrah and Siraj strike early against West Indies in 1st test

India made a strong start to the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, as their pacers struck early on Day 1. After winning the toss, West Indies captain Roston Chase chose to bat first, but the decision backfired. On a red-soil pitch with grass, Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah bowled with great control and reduced West Indies to 20 for 2 within the first seven overs. India got the early advantage and set the tone for the match.

Mohammed Siraj struck the first blow by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul for a duck. The left-hander, making a return to Test cricket, faced 11 balls before gloving a ball down the leg side to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Siraj bowled two maiden overs before this wicket, showing his accuracy. Soon after, Jasprit Bumrah joined in by removing John Campbell for 8. Captain Shubman Gill went for a review after the umpire gave it not out, and replays showed a clear edge. The decision was overturned, giving Bumrah his first wicket.

The quick wickets pushed West Indies on the back foot. Without key players like Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, their lineup looked weaker. Now the responsibility was on experienced batters Shai Hope and Roston Chase to build the innings under pressure from India’s bowlers. The home side looked positive and sharp in the field, with Gill captaincy.

West Indies in Trouble, India on Top

India entered the series in great form, having recently won the Asia Cup. For Shubman Gill, this is his first home Test series as captain, and his quick review call showed sharp leadership. The bowling unit, with a mix of quality pacers and spinners, looked well set to dominate the game in these conditions. Siraj and Bumrah’s early strikes highlighted India’s strength and gave them full control on the opening morning.

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At the time of writing, West Indies are 42 for 4 in 12 overs. Shai Hope and Roston Chase are at the crease, while Mohammed Siraj, who already has three wickets, continues his spell from one end and Jasprit Bumrah operates from the other.