India started the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a high note with a resounding victory over the West Indies. The match in Roseau, Dominica ended in just three days as India secured an innings and 141-run win. Yashasvi Jaiswal, making his India debut, was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant innings of 171 runs off 387 balls. His remarkable performance earned him a place in the latest ICC Test batters’ rankings at No. 73. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also played a pivotal role, scoring his 10th Test century with a knock of 103 runs in the first innings.
As a result, Rohit Sharma climbed three places to reach No. 10 in the ICC Test batters’ rankings, just above Rishabh Pant. In the bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin stole the show with his exceptional performance. He claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings and followed it up with a seven-wicket haul in the second innings.
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R Ashwin’s outstanding display propelled him to extend his lead as the No. 1 Test bowler, gaining an additional 24 points. Pat Cummins, ranked No. 2, now trails the Indian spinner by 56 points.
Ashwin’s spin-bowling partner, Ravindra Jadeja, also made a significant leap in the rankings, moving up three places to No. 7 with 779 rating points. Jadeja showcased his prowess by taking five wickets in the match and bowling economically in both innings.
The formidable spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will have another opportunity to bolster their rankings as India gears up for the second and final Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
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The match is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 20. With a dominant victory in their WTC opener, India has set a strong foundation for the new cycle and will look to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.
