Kolkata: West Indies just failed to capitalize on toss as they were reduced to 197 for 7 at tea in the 1st test against India here Wednesday. Mohammad Shami was the most successful bowler claiming three wickets on his debut while legend Sachin delighted the crow by taking a wicket just before tea was taken.
Any team would prefer to bat first on Eden garden track, known to become very difficult for side batting in the fourth inning but West indies lost the initiative after winning the toss and electing to bat first. They lost five wickets between lunch and tea.
The tourist didn't have a good start as Gayle(18) was first to departe when the score was just 34. He was caught by Murali Vijay off Bhuvneshwar. Next to go was Powell who was looking good. He was the first victim of Mohammad Shami who had him caught by Bhuvneshwar while he was trying half hearted shot.
Samuel tried to consolidate the inning and he went on to make 50 after lunch but could not convert fifty to hindered as he was clean bowled by Shami who is having a gala time on a wicket which doesn't support fast bowlers. Samuel made 65 with 11 fours and two sixes.
Soon Bravo(23) was run out by Shami. By now tourists were reeling under tremendous pressure as wickets kept falling. Ramdin, Captain Darren Sammy and Shillingford too could not contribute much.
The highlight of the session was the wicket that Sachin Tendulkar, playing his penultimate test here, took. He trapped Shillingford for 5 runs in his very first over. This was Sachin's 46th wicket in test.
