In what is dubbed as Sachin Tendulkar's series by the media, India and West Indies will begin the 1st Test on Wednesday (6 to 10 November) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. All eyes will be on India's batting maestro, as it is his penultimate match before playing his finale in Mumbai. [READ: India vs West Indies Live Streaming Information and Preview]
Where to Watch Live:
The first Test will begin at 09:00 am IST on Wednesday-Sunday and it will be telecast live in India on Star Sports, Star Cricket and ESPN channels. Log in to Star Sports official website for live streaming.
Overview:
India will come into the series just a few days after ending the grueling One Day International (ODI) series against Australia. They will be high on confidence following the series win but it won't be easy for them to revert back to longest format of the game.
MS Dhoni's men may face undue pressure from the audience as every ball Tendulkar faces will be cheered. In the meantime, they will be keen to win the series for their Little Master.
West Indies players will adapt to the conditions in India well, as they play in similar track. In fact, many of their players, including Chris Gayle played very well in the Indian Premier League games. They will begin the series as underdogs but have the capability to upset any team.
Previous Meetings:
West Indies have 30-14 win-loss and 44 drawn record against India out of 88 matches played.
Team News:
India: Ravindra Jadeja will miss the series sustaining injury in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. However, MS Dhoni has a good squad to choose from. Ishant Sharma, who received flaks for his poor performance in the recent series, has returned fitter.
West Indies: Caribbean bowlers Kemar Roach and Shane Shilling missed the practice game against Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association XI due to shoulder injury, making their participation in the 1st Test doubtful.
Preview:
India's batting line-up is formidable, but choosing between Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane is not going to be easy, especially after the former's double hundred against Australia. The team management will also have to decide either to go for two or three spinners.
West Indies on the other hand will depend heavily on Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Their form will be vital to their performance in the series. India boast of a strong batting line-up but the Caribbean bowlers have the capability to pick wickets.
Prediction:
India are favourites to win the 1st Test.
Squads:
India: MS Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Pragyan Ojha, Umesh Yadav.
West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Darren Bravo, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul, Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best, Sheldon Cottrell, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Shane Shillingford, Chadwick Walton.
