After a thumping 4-1 victory in the unofficial five-match ODI series, India ‘A’ started the unofficial four-day Test in a strong fashion against the West Indies ‘A’ at Antigua on Wednesday (July 24).

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem claimed a five-wicket haul to help India ‘A’ bundle out the hosts for 228. Subsequently, India were placed 70/1 at stumps on Day 1, having lost the wicket of Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Mohammed Siraj dismissed the openers, Montcin Hodge (16) and Jeremy Solozano (9), while Shivam Dube got rid of captain Shamarh Brooks (12) after West Indies ‘A’ won the toss and elected to bat first.

Nadeem then ran through the middle-order as he picked the next four – including the prized scalps of Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood (53). There was some resistance from Blackwood and Rahkeem Cornwall (59), sharing a 98-run stand for the sixth wicket. Leg-spinner Mayank Markande also chipped in with a couple of wickets as the home team lasted for just 66.5 overs.

India ‘A’ got off to a brilliant start, with openers Easwaran and Priyank Panchal forging a 61-run partnership. Jomel Warrican drew the first blood for West Indies ‘A’ by removing Easwaran for 28. Panchal (31) and Shubman Gill (9) eventually remained unbeaten as the tourists finished the first day in a strong position.

Brief Scores:

West Indies ‘A’ – 228/10 (Rahkeem Cornwall 59; Shahbaz Nadeem 5-62) lead India ‘A’ – 70/1 by 158 runs.