Ahmedabad, Oct 4 (NationPress) Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja showcased an impressive performance, taking 4 wickets for 54 runs as India achieved a resounding victory over the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs during the first Test held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. This victory, secured before the tea break on day three, grants India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marks a successful debut in home Test captaincy for Shubman Gill.

India commenced the day by declaring with a substantial lead of 286 runs, which proved sufficient for a decisive win against the West Indies. The visitors found themselves reeling at 46/5 early in their second innings. Although Alick Athanaze (38) and Justin Greaves (25) provided a brief resistance with a 46-run partnership, it was not nearly enough as they were bowled out within 45.1 overs.

The fact that the West Indies batted for just 89.2 overs throughout both innings starkly highlights their ongoing struggles in the longest format. With their bowlers failing to pose a challenge to India's top order, the West Indies will need to regroup quickly to deliver a stronger performance in the second and final Test in New Delhi, commencing on October 10.

Although Jadeja narrowly missed out on a five-wicket haul, he had a memorable Test, contributing an unbeaten 104. Additionally, Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul both scored centuries, laying the groundwork for India’s dominating first-innings total of 488/5, particularly after facing a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand on home soil last year.

Following India's declaration, Nitish Kumar Reddy was not given a chance to bat, as the team aimed for a swift conclusion. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj initiated the attack with a probing new-ball spell, with Siraj getting Tagenarine Chanderpaul out with a short ball that beat his edge.

One noteworthy dismissal was facilitated by Nitish’s athleticism at square leg, where he executed a stunning catch that could easily become a viral sensation on social media, highlighting an extraordinary day of fielding for the Indian side.

Jadeja continued to dominate, claiming the wicket of John Campbell with a delivery that drifted in, taking an outside edge to short leg. He followed this with a well-executed change in flight to outsmart Brandon King, who was lured into a mistimed shot.

Kuldeep Yadav contributed to the wickets by dismissing Roston Chase, who was beaten by a legbreak that failed to turn. Jadeja secured his third wicket when Shai Hope was deceived by extra bounce on a backfoot cut, leading to a sharp catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal at backward point.

Amidst this wicket procession, young Alick Athanaze demonstrated his skill against spin, using decisive footwork and calculated shots to remain unbeaten on 27 at lunch.

Upon resuming after lunch, Bumrah and Washington Sundar operated in tandem, while Greaves and Athanaze temporarily stalled India’s momentum with a blend of caution and aggression. Athanaze especially showcased his composure against spin, reading the length early and utilizing the crease effectively.

A brief moment of drama arose when Washington bowled a delivery that gripped and turned sharply, trapping Athanaze lbw. The on-field umpire ruled him out, but he successfully overturned the decision upon review, revealing a significant inside edge. Later, he passed a concussion test after being hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Bumrah.

Athanaze's resistance concluded when Sundar extracted sharp turn from the rough, leading to a catch off a leading edge.

Siraj struck in the immediate following over with a yorker that trapped Greaves lbw for 25. Jomel Warrican's aggressive approach led to a reckless dismissal as he lost control of his bat, resulting in a simple catch at mid-off. This dismissal epitomized the West Indies’ collapse in this match.

Johann Layne and Khary Pierre provided fleeting resistance, hitting five boundaries between them in an attempt to delay the inevitable. However, Jadeja had Layne caught at deep mid-off, while Jayden Seales offered a straightforward return catch to Kuldeep, who secured it on the second attempt, culminating in a brilliant victory for India within three days.

Brief Scores: West Indies 162 and 146 in 45.1 overs (Alick Athanaze 38, Justin Greaves 25; Ravindra Jadeja 4-54, Mohammed Siraj 3-31) lost to India 488/5 declared in 128 overs (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104 not out; Roston Chase 2-90, Jayden Seales 1-53) by an innings and 140 runs