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Key Points

India has firmly established control in the first Test against West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium. Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten fifties have pushed the team to a commanding 164-run lead by tea on day two. KL Rahul's century was cut short, but the team maintained momentum through solid batting performances. The match appears to be progressing decisively in India's favor, with the pitch showing signs of wear.

Key Points: Jurel Jadeja Lift India to Dominant Lead Against West Indies

  • Jurel showcases composure with mature batting approach
  • Jadeja neutralizes spin threat with aggressive strokeplay
  • KL Rahul scores century before getting dismissed
  • India's strong position with six wickets remaining
2 min read

1st Test: Jurel, Jadeja's fifties swell India's lead to 164 runs at tea against West Indies

Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten fifties propel India to a commanding 164-run lead in first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium

"We didn't let the momentum slip this time - Cricket Analyst"

Ahmedabad, Oct 3

Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja struck unbeaten fifties to help India extend their lead to 164 runs at tea on day two of the first Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday.

At tea, India reached 326/4 in 96 overs, with Jurel and Jadeja unbeaten on 68 and 50, respectively, with their unbroken 108-run stand steering the hosts into a commanding position.

The session began with a brief window of hope for the West Indies as Jomel Warrican removed centurion KL Rahul for exactly 100 in the very first over after lunch. Rahul's dismissal - of being caught at cover attempting a loose drive - was reminiscent of his lapse in the Hyderabad Test against England in 2024, a moment that had turned the tide in that match.

But this time, India didn't let the momentum slip, thanks to Jurel, who peppered the square of the off-side region with boundaries. Jadeja, meanwhile, launched four sixes off Warrican by using his feet to neutralise the left-arm spinner's threat.

Jurel, getting a chance to play due to Rishabh Pant being injured, showcased a blend of composure and class while handling both reverse swing and spin with maturity. His defence was tested by Jayden Seales, who found movement with the older ball, but he held firm, and grew in confidence after surviving an lbw appeal.

West Indies' decision to delay the second new ball raised eyebrows, as persisting with the old ball allowed India to dictate terms.

Warrican offered variations and challenged the batters with changes in pace and trajectory. But Jadeja's footwork and aggression kept him at bay. Jurel, fresh off a 140 against Australia A, looked every bit a solid batter in his strokeplay and defence, as 108 runs came off the second session for the loss of Rahul.

With six wickets in hand and two set batters at the crease on a pitch showing signs of crumbling, India will look to accelerate post-tea. West Indies, who have still held back from taking the new ball, need a breakthrough soon to prevent the game from going out of their reach.

Brief Scores: West Indies 162 in 44.1 overs (Justin Greaves 32; Mohammed Siraj 4-40) lead India 326/4 in 96 overs (KL Rahul 100, Dhruv Jurel 68 not out; Roston Chase 2-63, Jayden Seales 1-46) by 164 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Jadeja's four sixes off Warrican were pure entertainment! When he uses his feet like that, no spinner is safe. Perfect all-rounder for Indian conditions.
A
Arjun K
West Indies delaying the new ball is baffling. They're letting the game slip away. Should have taken it immediately after 80 overs. Poor captaincy decision!
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK - Jurel looks like a real find. Handled pressure beautifully after Rahul's dismissal. That 108-run partnership has probably sealed the match.
K
Kavya N
KL Rahul's century was good but that dismissal pattern is concerning. Same mistake as Hyderabad Test. Needs to work on his concentration after reaching milestones.
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Michael C
Impressive how India keeps producing quality players. Jurel stepping up when Pant is injured shows the depth in Indian cricket. Dominant performance!
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Vikram M
Pitch starting to crumble - perfect for our spinners in the fourth innings. Lead of 164 with 6 wickets in hand is match-winning position. Time to accelerate now! 💪

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