As cricket fans around the globe eagerly await the India vs West Indies 2023 Test series, it's time to dive into a comprehensive preview of this riveting cricketing encounter. Set against the scenic backdrop of Roseau, Dominica, the first Test match will ignite India's tour of the West Indies. The match, part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship, unfolds from July 12 to 16 at Windsor Park.

The pitch at Windsor Park is known for its batting-favourable conditions but also transforms into a playground for spinners as the match progresses. The sweltering and moist climate of Dominica adds another layer of complexity to the contest, requiring both teams to skillfully handle fluctuating pitch conditions and weather variations. So, what can we expect from this exciting Test match? Let's break it down:

Key Match Details

The inaugural test match between India and the West Indies is scheduled to commence at 9:30 AM in the local timezone, or 7:00 PM according to Indian Standard Time (IST), on the Wednesday July 12. Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on the Doordarshan Sports channel (available only on Free cable networks, not on DTH). For those who prefer online streaming, JioCinema and FanCode will cover the match live.

The Test Match Context

The inaugural Test match sets the pace for the new World Test Championships cycle for Team India, which begins with a two-match Test series against the West Indies. Notably, the Windies haven't savoured victory in a Test series against India in over two decades. Led by Kraigg Brathwaite, they're striving to recover from the sting of missing out on the ODI World Cup 2023 qualification. Rohit Sharma's squad will, in turn, not take their opponents lightly.

Key Players to Watch

For India, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane, in particular, will seek to solidify his position after returning to the team for the recent WTC Final. On the West Indies side, Kraigg Brathwaite will be a crucial player to watch.

Squad Changes

India, bouncing back from a loss to Australia in the WTC final 2023, has made a few notable changes. Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been replaced by Shubman Gill, and newcomer Yashasvi Jaiswal is set for his debut. Bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav are out, with Mukesh Kumar and Navdeep Saini filling their shoes.
On the West Indies front, after a disappointing World Cup Qualifiers performance, the team is hopeful for a change in fortune with their new squad changes. Rahkeem Cornwall is back in action, while Roston Chase has been left out. New faces include Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, who receive their first Test call-ups.

Historical Performance

India and West Indies have a long history of cricket encounters with 98 matches under their belts. West Indies holds a 30-22 record, but the last series they won against India was in 2002. The recent 2019 series saw India secure a decisive victory over the Caribbean side.

Probable XI and Test Squads

Lastly, the probable XI for India includes Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj. In the West Indies, probably Craig Brathwaite (c), Aric Attanadze, Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Leifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.

Conclusion

With so much action in store, the India vs West Indies 2023 Test series promises to be an exhilarating watch for cricket fans worldwide. This series is set to offer thrilling cricket, showcasing unmatched talent and strategy. Stay tuned as we witness the drama, thrill, and exceptional talent on display at Windsor Park this July!