26 July,2023 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
India laid the foundations for a second successive win in the Caribbean with a solid first innings, highlighted by some strong showings at the top of the order (Pic: AFP)
The Men in Blue clinched a 1-0 win over the West Indies after rain brought the second Test to a premature end at the Queen's Park Oval on Tuesday. The Windies lost the first Test and were chasing a target of 365 to avoid a whitewash but were denied the opportunity to tie the series due to heavy rain when they were sitting on 76-2, although India were firmly in the ascendancy before the rain gods intervened.
India declared on 181 in the second innings after opening up a commanding lead, setting their opponents a target of 365 to chase. But rain meant play was halted and then abandoned on the final day of action with the West Indies frozen on 76-2. The draw gave India a 1-0 victory, with the sides now set to resume battle over three one-day internationals.
India laid the foundations for a second successive win in the Caribbean with a solid first innings, highlighted by some strong showings at the top of the order. They will turn their attention towards white-ball cricket as they prepare to face the Windies in a three-match ODI series. This series will bear great significance as it marks the start of India's preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup, with just about two months left for the marquee event.
On the other hand, the home side will look to make amends in the 50-over format after the embarrassment of not qualifying for the biggest tournament in the sport. This is the first time the two-time champions will not be part of the quadrennial event.
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The first two ODIs of the series will take place at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 27 and 29. The third and final match will be played in Trinidad for a clash at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. All matches will start at 7:00 p.m. IST.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Surya Kumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya (vc), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar
West Indies: Shai Hope (wk/c), Rovman Powell (vc), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas
The ODI series will be streamed live on DD Sports for Indian fans, but only on Free cable networks. Fans can additionally catch the live action on the Jio Cinema app, website, and Fancode.