TEST DEFEAT

West Indies suffered a crushing defeat against India in the opening Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground in Antigua over the week-end.

The regional team was bundled out for their sixth lowest-ever total against India, as the team crashed to an embarrassing 318-run defeat on the penultimate day on Sunday.

A poor batting display saw the Windies collapsed to 100, all out after they were at one stage 50 for 9, handing India their biggest-ever away victory in terms of runs.

Set an improbable task of scoring 419 runs for victory on the fourth day after India declared on 343 for seven, an hour after lunch.

The home side was ripped apart by a fast bowling spell from Jasprit Bumrah who snatched five wickets for seven runs, while new-ball partner Inshant Sharma finished with 3 for 31 and medium pacer Mohammed Shami supported with 2 for 13.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach, batting at number nine, tried to salvage some pride with a 31-ball 38 but was the only batsman to pass 20 and one of only three batsmen to reach double figures.

West Indies tottering at 50 for 9 and in danger of falling for their lowest-ever score against India, Roach struck one four and five sixes, inspiring a 50-run last-wicket stand with Miguel Cummings (19) to save his side complete embarrassment.

The defeat for West Indies extended their wretched run of 22 Tests without a single win against India and leaving them in disarray heading into the final Test this week-end at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

India, who was set in to bat after captain Jason Holder won the toss scored 297 in their first innings and 343 for seven wickets declared.

Anjinka Rahane had earlier laid the ground work for India when he struck his 10th Test hundred, 102 off242 balls with five fours.

West Indies’ bowler Kemar Roach celebrates with teammate Roston Chase the dismissal of India’s Cheteshwar Pujara during day one of the first Test cricket match at the Sir Vivian Richards cricket ground in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.
Associated Press / Ricardo Mazalan