Batting collapse undermines WI

Wed, Nov 6, '13

KOLKATA, India – A day that started with much promise ended sombrely for West Indies, after a half-century from Marlon Samuels failed to ignite their batting, as newcomer Mohammad Shami triggered a collapse to give India an early advantage in the first Test on Wednesday here.

Samuels hit the top score of 65, but Shami grabbed 4-71 from 17 overs on debut, as the Windies, choosing to bat, were bowled out for 234 in their first innings about an hour after tea on the opening day before a packed Eden Gardens.

Several of the West Indies’ batsmen got starts, but failed to carry on – Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 36, Kieran Powell made 28 and Darren Bravo got 23 – as the visitors crumbled after tea from a steady 138 for two.