Shami sizzles as West Indies toppled inside three days

India win first Test by an innings to lead series 1-0.

Debutant Mohammed Shami produced a devastating spell of reverse swing to return with a nine-wicket haul as India thrashed West Indies by an innings and 51 runs in the first Test, according to The Times of India.

Rohit Sharma had earlier slammed an exquisite 177, including 23 fours and a six, while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with 124 to end the Indian innings at 453 in 129.4 overs.

Apart from Sharma, the star of the match was Shami, who claimed five for 47 in the second innings and ended with impressive match figures of nine for 118. The rapid fall of wickets helped India take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series on Friday.



“I think it was a disciplined bowling performance,” said India captain MS Dhoni after the match. “Shami was fantastic. Most of the fast bowlers got reverse swing, but his line and length was key.

“He got the right length and that’s why I think he got nine wickets in this game. We’re all very happy with the performance.”

Former India Test cricketer VVS Laxman also praised Sharma and Shami for their amazing performances.

“The two debutants have done remarkably well,” said Laxman, according to NDTV. “Rohit grabbed his opportunity really well. Everyone knew he had the potential. That was quite a knock under tremendous pressure.

“Shami hardly looked like someone who is inexperienced and is playing his first Test match. Very pleased with the way he bowled.”

Starting their second innings with a huge deficit, the West Indies collapsed from 101 for one to 168 all out to hand India an easy win, with off-spinner Ashwin (three for 46) providing support to Shami at the other end.

The two teams will now travel to Mumbai for the final Test and Tendulkar’s last in international cricket.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2013.

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