India dominated Day 3 of the opening Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad, showcasing a standout moment from all-rounder Nitish Reddy. The 22-year-old made headlines with a remarkable catch that helped shift the momentum of the match.
Nitish Reddy’s Stunning Catch
In the eighth over of the West Indies innings, Nitish Reddy delivered a highlight-reel moment. Mohammed Siraj bowled a short ball to Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who attempted a pull shot but mishit it. Reddy, positioned at square leg, leaped and caught the ball cleanly, dismissing Chanderpaul for just 8 runs off 23 balls. This outstanding catch came at a critical time, reducing West Indies to 21/1.
Match Context and Performances
India declared their innings earlier at an impressive 448/5, which gave them a substantial lead of 286 runs. Key performances included:
- KL Rahul scored a fluent century, contributing 100 runs.
- Dhruv Jurel hit his first Test century, amassing 125 runs.
- Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 104, showcasing his batting prowess.
The partnership between Jurel and Jadeja was particularly notable, with the pair adding 206 runs for the fifth wicket. This partnership overwhelmed the West Indies bowling attack, which was further weakened by injuries to key players Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph.
West Indies’ Struggles
The absence of their leading pacers has left West Indies in a challenging position. The lack of depth in their bowling lineup has made it difficult for them to mount a serious challenge against a confident Indian side.
Looking Ahead
With a solid lead and their bowlers in fine form, India is well-positioned to secure a swift victory. Nitish Reddy’s breathtaking catch has only added to the wind in their sails, reinforcing their stronghold in the match.
