What

The first Test of the three-match series between India and West Indies

When

November 6 - 10, 2011. The game begins at 9:30 am, IST.

Where

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. A venue where India have been bowled out for their lowest ever score against the West Indies (75) and where the West Indies have posted the highest innings total by any side (644 for eight decl.). However, all that was a very long time ago. In recent years, the Kotla wicket has favoured the slower bowlers, something that will undoubtedly suit the Indians as they take on the West Indies in a Test series for the second time this calendar year.

The Teams

India have put their best side together for this Test series. After the various injuries sustained on the tour to England, A-listers Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir all make a return to the squad. The series also gives youngsters Varun Aaron, Umesh Yadav, Rahul Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane an opportunity to prove themselves in the premier format of the game. However, it would be interesting to see who between Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli gets the No. 6 slot and whether R Ashwin can step up and deliver in Harbhajan Singh’s absence.

West Indies come to India after a recent 1-0 series win against Bangladesh. However, despite the similar conditions, the Caribbean side will be up against significantly tougher opponents. And while Kemar Roach and Fidel Edwards inspire confidence in the bowling, the onus will be on the West Indies batsmen to withstand the challenge posed by the Indian bowlers on a turning track.

Trivia

• India – The combined aggregate of Test centuries scored by the Indian squad is 140 (Sachin - 51, Dravid - 35, Sehwag - 22, Laxman - 16, Gambhir - nine, Dhoni - four and Yuvraj - three) – more than any other team’s aggregate in a Test match.

• West Indies – Shivnarine Chanderpaul has scored more Test runs (9493) than all the other members of the West Indies’ squad put together (6630).

Venue Stats

India – played 30, won – 10, lost – 6, tied – 0, draw – 14 – win percentage – 33.33

West Indies – played 6, won – 2, lost – 0, tied – 0, draw – 4 – win percentage – 33.33

Highest total in an innings: West Indies 644/8 decl. in 214.0 overs v India – February 6, 1959

Lowest total in an innings: India 75 in 30.5 overs v West Indies – November 25, 1987

Best individual score in an innings: Bert Sutcliffe (New Zealand) – 230* v India – December 16, 1955

Best bowling figures in an innings: Anil Kumble (India) 26.3-9-74-10 v Pakistan – February 4, 1999

Average first innings score at Feroz Shah Kotla: Overall - 351, since 2000 – 377

Average second innings score at Feroz Shah Kotla: Overall - 334, since 2000 – 379

Result summary at Feroz Shah Kotla:

Head-to-head

Last meeting against West Indies: 6-10 Jul 2011, Roseau (Drawn)

Brief scores: West Indies 204 & 322; India 347 & 94-3

Form guide (most recent listed first)

India: Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost, Drawn (4 losses)

West Indies: Won, Drawn, Drawn, Drawn, Lost (1 win, 1 loss)

The Squads

India: MS Dhoni (c & wk), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli, Varun Aaron, Ajinkya Rahane & Rahul Sharma

West Indies: Darren Sammy (c), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels & Shane Shillingford

All stats are as onas on October 5, 2011