Siraj & Bumrah Strikes As India Rock West Indies Early In Ahmedabad

The India vs West Indies Test opener in Ahmedabad began with drama. Mohammed Siraj’s relentless spell has enabled him to take 4 wickets and set the West Indies’ batting order aside. The seamer carried his iron-man rhythm from the England tour, striking thrice in a fiery morning burst. Jasprit Bumrah backed him up with 3 key wickets, squeezing the innings from the other end.

The pitch looked green, yes, but West Indies’ top order was expected to dig in. Instead, wickets fell in clumps. Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the first wicket, caught down the leg side for a duck. His reaction said it all. 

Alick Athanaze showed some resistance. After a few nervous pushes early on, he began finding gaps. But Siraj, spotting the intent, went fuller. Athanaze chased a drive that wasn’t there and was caught at slip, a smart delivery by Siraj.

Then came the ball of the morning. Kuldeep Yadav, back in whites, delivered a beauty to Shai Hope. It pitched, drifted, and crashed into the stumps. The crowd roared. Hope stood frozen, beaten all ends up.

At the same moment, Jasprit Bumrah reminded everyone why he is a nightmare for batters. He picked up John Campbell, with a little help from the DRS. 

West Indies only managed to score 162 in 44.1 overs. Siraj finished with 4, Bumrah claimed 3, Kuldeep picked up 2, and Washington Sundar chipped in with 1. Indian bowling wasn't flawless, but they were sharper than the visitors (West Indies) when it mattered.

For India, it was the perfect start they wanted in their home series. The five-day match looks tilted heavily in India’s favour. The crowd in Ahmedabad knows it. As a cricket fan, you could sense by the atmosphere.