India is set to play a Test match series in Dominica after a long hiatus of twelve years. This series opener holds immense significance for India's World Test Championship campaign, with the focus primarily shifting to the new personnel leading the charge. Having finished as runners-up twice in the competition, the selectors have made some bold choices in the squad selection. One of the critical decisions revolves around finding a replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara at the No. 3 position.






The Battle for the No. 3 Spot:

Two promising newcomers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, have emerged as strong contenders for the No. 3 spot. Their impressive performances in recent times, both in first-class cricket and the IPL, have caught the selectors' attention. Filling this slot suitably becomes crucial, considering India's batting failures, particularly against pace over the past three years.



Batting Concerns Plague Both Teams:

The concerns over batting performance are not limited to India alone. West Indies, too, faced similar issues during their recent tour in South Africa, prompting a rethink in their strategy. However, despite the changes, the success of West Indies' batting order heavily relies on the performances of experienced players like Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder. This series presents an opportunity for other players in the team to step up and match the prowess of their formidable pace attack.





Emulating the Pace Exploits:

West Indies' strength in Test cricket, especially at home, has often come from their potent pace exploits, led by Kemar Roach. The firepower of Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph further bolsters their bowling attack. India's transitioning team seeks to replicate this success. While Mohammad Shami's absence leaves a void in the pace department, the ever-improving Mohammad Siraj takes on the responsibility of leading the attack. However, India's new line of pace bowlers adds an element of rawness to the equation, creating an intriguing match-up between the two sides.





Match Details and Expectations:

The first Test match of the series will take place on July 12, 2023, at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica. Historically, the venue has favored spin bowling, and the forecast of possible showers might influence the selection decisions for both teams.

Team News:





India's team selection revolves around the absence of a left-hander in the top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his impressive domestic season, where he averages over 80 in First Class cricket, might earn a Test debut. The choice of the wicketkeeper and the decision between an additional pacer or the experienced R Ashwin also remains crucial. Ashwin's historical record against West Indies and the venue's inclination towards spinners might work in his favor.

The West Indies team, following lackluster performances against South Africa, has made some significant changes, including dropping established names like Roston Chase. This opens up opportunities for debutant Alick Althanaze as a batter, while Rahkeem Cornwall, who hasn't played a Test in over two years, might take over the offspin duties.

Did You Know?

  • Among the current Indian squad, R Ashwin holds the record for the most Test hundreds against West Indies.
  • Ajinkya Rahane boasts an impressive record of three fifties and two hundreds in eight innings in West Indies.
  • Rohit Sharma holds the best average of 36.59 against fast bowling for India in Tests since 2020.

Squads:

West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (w), Rahkeem Cornwall, Jason Holder, Raymon Reifer, Kirk McKenzie, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Srikar Bharat (w), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammad Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat