Ahmedabad, October 2 (HS): West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening Test of the two-match series against India, which began today at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

After winning the toss, Chase said the pitch looked good, though there might be some moisture in the early hours. He asserted that his side, which boasts a young line-up, is eager to play positive cricket. Chase further added that batting in the fourth innings would be challenging as the ball is expected to turn.Based on these conditions, West Indies chose to field two pacers, two spinners, and one all-rounder.

Indian captain Shubman Gill said the team’s goal is to win all four Test matches slated for the end of this year. He stated that the preparation had been excellent and all players were in good form.

According to Gill, the pitch looks favorable for batting, though in the initial hours it may offer assistance to bowlers. He also underlined that losing the toss was not a matter of disappointment.It is notable that West Indies last defeated India in a Test match in May 2002. Since then, across the 25 Tests played between the two sides, the Caribbean team has not registered a single victory. This is India’s longest unbeaten streak against West Indies.

Longest Unbeaten Streaks in Tests:

England vs New Zealand – 47 (1930–75)

England vs Pakistan – 30 (1961–82)

West Indies vs England – 29 (1976–88)

India vs West Indies – 25 (2002–23)*

Australia vs South Africa – 24 (1911–52)

West Indies vs India – 24 (1948–71)

India (Playing XI):

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

West Indies (Playing XI):

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wicketkeeper), Roston Chase (captain), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar