India were ruthless in the first Test
The inaugural match of the World Test Championships (WTC) 2023-25 cycle saw India kicking off with an emphatic victory, trouncing West Indies by an innings and 141 runs. This victory signalled a fresh start for Team India, who ended as runners-up in the last two WTCs. The focus now turns to the second Test in Port of Spain that is set to get underway on Thursday, July 20 at Queen’s Park Oval.
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Team Previews
West Indies
West Indies' performance in the first Test was markedly underwhelming. The team was skittled out for abysmal scores of 150 and 130 in their respective innings, their batsmen floundering in the face of the Indian spin attack.
Their lack of resilience and questionable shot selections, which led to several dismissals, indicated the need for a serious reevaluation of their game plan. As they prepare for the next battle in Port of Spain, the onus is on their batsmen to stand up and be counted, providing a solid platform for their bowlers.
India
In contrast, India's first Test performance was nothing short of stellar. Veteran spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin spearheaded the victory, capturing a stunning 12 wickets, and receiving able support from his fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja and the quicks. The Indian batting order was also in fine form, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal piling on impressive centuries and captain Virat Kohli adding a gritty fifty to the tally.
However, Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane had less than ideal outings and will be determined to rebound in the second Test. With spin playing a significant role in the first Test, India might consider bringing in Axar Patel, potentially replacing Jaydev Unadkat, to bolster their spin attack.
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Match Details
Date and Time: July 20, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Live Streaming and Broadcast: FanCode, JioCinema & DD Sports
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Pitch Report
Looking ahead at the venue, Queen’s Park in Port of Spain has an average first-innings score of 302, which dwindles to 168 by the fourth innings. While spinners traditionally hold sway here, the conditions also offer initial opportunities for seamers to exploit swing and bounce. The captain winning the toss may lean towards batting first, as past records suggest a favourable outcome for teams setting the score on this pitch.
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Probable Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk Mckenzie, Jermaine Blackwood, Alick Athanaze, Rahkeem Cornwall/Kevin Sinclair, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Ishan Kishan
Batters: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kraigg Brathwaite, Tagneraine Chanderpaul
All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahkeem Cornwall
Bowlers: Kevin Sinclair, Kemar Roach
Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Vice-captain: Ravichandran Ashwin
WI vs IND, 2nd Test: Prediction
India are clear favourites to win this contest, considering their strong squad, rich form and mastery in this format.
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