Daijiworld Media Network
New Delhi, Nov 8: The first cricket Test match between India and West Indies at the Firoz Shah Kotla ground is heading for an interesting turn with day 2 on Monday witnessing some dramatic action.
West Indies resumed batting on 259/5 on Monday, but suffered a sudden collapse and ended the first innings at 304 with some great bowling from Pragyan Ojha (6/72) and Ashwin (3/81). The Indian fans who expected fireworks from star Indian batsmen, though impressed with opening pair Gambhir and Sehwag, were disappointed with the quick dismissals of the top order.
Sehwag who had a lucky escape when Fidel Edwards had him clean bowled off a no-ball, continued his stroke play and entertained the meagre crowd and completed his 50. But he was not lucky enough the second time, when he was stumped out on a delivery by leg spinner Bishoo. A fraction of a second was all it took for wicket keeper Baugh to dismantle the bails and trap Sehwag who had his leg hanging in the air at that very moment.
Sachin Tendulakar who carried huge expectations from his millions of fans worldwide, once again failed to reach the three-figure mark, and in fact did not even get a double digit.
VVS Laxman, continued his dismal form from his England tour, and once again failed to score and support the Indian innings. Yuvraj Singh entertained the crowd with two big sizes and a couple of boundaries, but could not stay for long at the crease. Perhaps he realised the difference between one-day and test matches when he got out.
Dravid was the true wall once again. He faced West Indies bowlers without any problem, but lack of support made him play a big stroke and he got out.
Ishant and Dravid gave some relief to Indian collapse. India would have been all-out within 200 if the duo had not resisted after the tea break.
West Indies second innings started in a disastrous manner, with Powell getting out without scoring on the fourth ball he faced from Ashiwn. Surprisingly, Ashwin, the off spinner, opened the bowling attack for India.
Ojha continued his LBW trend and trapped Kraigg Brathwaite for just 2 runs (41 balls).
At stumps, West Indies were 21/2 , leading by 116 runs, with eight wickets at hand in the second innings.
Day three will be decisive for both teams. If West Indies can manage to score another 250 runs, they will have a good chance to win the test, with already a 94-run first innings lead in the kitty. Anything above 350 could be a tough score to chase in the second innings as the ball is keeping low day by day.
If India can manage to bowl West Indies out within 150-180 in the second innings, the match will head for an interesting end with both teams fighting to have the last laugh!