India annihilates West Indies in Antigua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kersi Meher-Homji

The Anil Kumble ”“ Virat Kohli partnership worked splendidly in the first Test against the West Indies at North Sound in the Antigua Test.

It must be very satisfying for Kumble as it was his first Test as India’s coach. And what a debut!

India’s emphatic triumph by an innings and 92 runs on Sunday is their biggest win outside the subcontinent, surpassing the victory by an innings and 90 runs against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in September 2005.

Apart from the above two huge victories, India’s two other wins by an innings margins outside the subcontinent are by an innings and 46 runs against England at Leeds in August 2002 and by an innings and two runs against Australia at Sydney in January 1978.

However, India’s biggest Test win is by an innings and 239 runs against Bangladesh at Dhaka in May 2007.

India won the toss and batted brilliantly before declaring at 8 for 566. Kohli scored a magnificent 200 (with 24 fours) adding 105 runs for the third wicket with Shikar Dhawan (who made 84) for the third wicket and 168 for the fifth wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (113).

The Windies were dismissed for 243 and 231, off-spinner Ashwin capturing 7 for 83 in the second innings. Ashwin was the worthy Man of the Match.

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Kohli, Kumble and Ashwin to set up India’s biggest margin of victory outside the sub-continent.

Former India skipper and legendary orthodox left-arm off-spinner Bishan Singh Bedi expressed the hope that the team crushed the West Indies 4-0 and reach no. 1 in Test ranking.

 

 

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