India vs West Indies: A look at memorable Test encounters
What's the story
India are all set to take on West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series, starting October 4. Recently, West Indian team defeated Bangladesh 2-0 at home. With time, the Caribbean nation has fallen down the pecking order in Test cricket. But there have been some memorable encounters in the past between these two nations. Here are four such interesting matches.
Tense
2011: A perfect nail-biter at the Wankhede
In the first innings, West Indies posted a mammoth 590, with 6 batsmen scoring 50+ and Darren Bravo hitting 166. R Ashwin came out and scored an impressive ton to get India to 482. India then dismissed WI for 134 runs. With 243 to get, India fought back well and needed 2 off 1. Ashwin got run out and it ended in a draw.
Kumble
2002: Anil Kumble does the unthinkable
This Test ended in a draw on a flat track at Antigua where both teams batted once and got mammoth totals. But it will be remembered for the heroics of Anil Kumble. Kumble suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a Mervyn Dillon bouncer. But he came back with a bandaged head and bowled 14 overs, getting the wicket of Brian Lara (4).
Pacers
1997: Bowlers win the game for West Indies
West Indies made a decent 298 in the first innings at the Kennington Oval. Gritty fifties from Sachin Tendulkar (92) and Rahul Dravid (78) helped India (319) take a slender lead. India gained momentum after their pacers helped the side skittle out West Indies for 140. In pursuit of 120, the visitors were bowled out for 81, with WI bowlers taking charge.
Key moment
1971: India's defining moment on WI soil
This was a defining moment for India as they won their first game as well as series on West Indian soil. India got West Indies out for a paltry 214. The visitors performed well with the bat, getting 352 runs. Sardesai (113) top scored for India. WI managed to set a target of 124 next. Sunil Gavaskar's 67* led India to a seven-wicket win.