India vs Windies 2018, 1st Test, Rajkot - Match Prediction

After losing yet another series against England in the overseas conditions, team India is back to familiar territory, as they are set to face the Windies in a two-match Test series, starting on Thursday in Rajkot. However, India won’t be too much eager to give a mock test like this ahead of a much sterner one against Australia later in the year.

It must be noted that the Indian management is looking at the series for the preparation of the tour Down Under. Hence 24 hours before the start of the Test match, the pitch seemed utterly greenish, and it looks like assisting the faster bowlers.

There is no doubt about the fact that team India is the overwhelming favourites to win both the Tests. Meanwhile, India has also made a strong statement coming into the Test series. They have dropped the likes of Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan who were pretty ordinary during the Test series in England.

India have announced their likely XI for the 1st Test

The Indian team have given a break to a couple of youngsters in the form of Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw. They have performed quite brilliantly in the domestic circuit, and the call-up was expected especially after a poor tour of England for both Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay.

Prithvi Shaw is all set to make his Test debut, as he got named in the playing XI for the first Test. Shaw will be eager to get some runs under his belt which will make him a first choice opener for the tour Down Under later in the year. However, Mayank Agarwal has to wait a bit more before making his Test debut.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that India’s chief curator, Dilip Singh has been called up to assist the pitch curators in Rajkot. Predominantly the curators of Rajkot have produced batting paradise which won’t be ideal for the Test series against the Windies. The opposition line-up has some impressive fast bowlers in the form of Shanon Gabriel and Kemar Roach. However, India won’t mind giving a stern test ahead of Australia tour.

However, the Windies has shown promise in the recent past. Shane Dowrich and Roston Chase have been impressive players for the Windies. Chase, in particular, has emerged as one of the best in the Windies Test team in the recent times. Meanwhile, Kieron Powell will hope to cement his place in the opening spot. He has fought hard for his spot, and this series might well bring an end to the tough times for Powell.

Team Combinations

India has already announced their tentative playing XI for the opening Test against the Windies. Prithvi Shaw is all set to make his debut tomorrow. He will accompany KL Rahul at the top of the order. Meanwhile, India is all set to play five bowlers including Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. It will be interesting to see whether India plays an extra pacer or a seamer.

Probable XI: Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav/Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

Windies

The visitors will miss the services of Kemar Roach which was confirmed by coach Stuart Law. However, he was confident of the two young pacers, Keemo Paul and Sherman Lewis. Jomel Warrican is also a useful option.

Probable XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason Holder (c), Devendra Bishoo, Keemo Paul, Sherman Lewis/Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel

Match Prediction

I mentioned in my article earlier as well that India will start as the hot favourites to win both the Tests. A draw will be like a win for the Windies. However, there is no room to take the oppositions lightly. Unless there is a huge setback, India is all set to win the series 2-0.