West Indies search for World Test Championship Victory against India

BY KAYLA KARIM

Started on August 1^st 2019, the World Test Championship run by the International Cricket Council is one of the premier championships for Test cricket. West Indies is one of the nine teams participating.

Earlier this week West Indies faced India and lost by 318 runs after four days to start their World Test Championship campaign. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the match taking five wickets for seven runs. Chasing a target of 419 last Sunday, Windies were bowled out for 100 in 26.5 overs. Indian vice captain Rahane achieved his first Test Century in two years with 102 and added 125 runs for the fifth wicket, as India went on to declare their second innings at 343 for 7. Virat Kohli recorded his 27^th victory as captain for the Indian team and has set a new record for most away wins as Indian captain.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder had high praise for India pace bowler Bumrah following the match saying, “today Bumrah bowled some magic balls and he got a few of our batsmen with some very good balls. We have to find ways.  He is a quality bowler but definitely, there is a solution out there”.

Holder also spoke about Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami who claimed 2 and 3 wickets respectively; “They bowled well.  Bumrah bowled an exceptional spell, Ishant was very supportive as well as Shami. I just want those spells where the opposition gets on top and stays on top.  We have seen that happening around the world.”

With the win, India now stands at the top of the World Test Championships with 60 points followed by Sri Lanka at second with 60 points and Australia and England at third and fourth with 32 points each.

The second match will take place on Friday August 30^th in Kingston where Windies will have the opportunity to win the second Test to draw the series and to get ahead in the standings to claim their first points in the World Test Championship.

For the most part the batting lineup will stay the same with the exception of Miguel Cumins who will be replaced with all-rounder Keemo Pail in the 13-man squad. Paul was forced to sit out the first Test because of an ankle injury but has recovered and is available for selection, Cricket West Indies said in a statement.

India is undefeated so far on the tour having swept the T20I 3-0 and won the ODI series 2-0.