Did the West Indies Choose to Bat First Against India in the 1st Test?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first.
- This Test marks India's first home game without key players since 2010.
- Debutants Khary Pierre and Johann Layne are part of the West Indies squad.
- India's bowling strategy includes both seamers and spinners.
- Shubman Gill is leading the Indian team as captain.
Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (NationPress) The West Indies have successfully won the toss and decided to bat first against India in the inaugural match of the two-match Test series taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium this Thursday.
This match marks India’s first home Test without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin since 2010.
Following the toss, West Indies captain Roston Chase announced the team composition, which includes two seamers, two spinners, and an allrounder. Notably, the team has given debuts to left-arm spinner Khary Pierre and pacer Johann Layne.
“The pitch looks promising, with a bit of moisture. It’s Test cricket, and we must navigate the initial hours effectively,” he commented.
“We feature a youthful squad and are eager to showcase quality cricket. We prefer not to bat last on this pitch, as it is likely to turn,” he added.
On the opposite side, Indian captain Shubman Gill is leading his first home Test, where he will be supported by seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with three spinners: vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, with Nitish Kumar Reddy acting as the seam-bowling allrounder.
“We have four Tests at home before the year concludes, and our goal is to win all four. Our preparations have been solid; everyone is in prime form, and it’s crucial to adapt to the red-ball mindset. The surface looks excellent. Losing the toss doesn’t disappoint me as the pitch has been under covers, potentially offering early assistance,” he remarked.
Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj
West Indies: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase (captain), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, and Jayden Seales