• Source:JND
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IND vs WI 1st Test: In a notable moment during the toss for the first Test between India and the West Indies, former India head coach Ravi Shastri delivered a pointed introduction of match referee Andy Pycroft, subtly referencing the dispute surrounding Pycroft's decisions in the recent Asia Cup.

Pycroft found himself at the centre of controversy during the Asia Cup, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chastising him over his handling of the no-handshake incident between India and Pakistan players during a group stage match.

At the time of the toss, Shastri delivered a rousing introduction of Pycroft, his words dripping with sharp focus as he subtly indicated to the controversies that had stained the Asia Cup in Dubai.

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“Back in the house, all the way from Dubai, in the hot seat. Andy Pycroft," Shastri said at the toss.

Watch the video here:

Following Indian players' refusal to shake hands with Pakistan, the PCB lodged a formal protest with the International Cricket Council
(ICC), appealing to Pycroft's removal as match referee.

Later, the ICC swiftly dismissed the PCB's request, ruling that Pycroft would continue in his role, citing a lack of substance in the complaint.

“I have always seen that Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. I think he is a permanent fixer for the Indian team. He has officiated in 90 Indian games. This is blatant, this is one-sided and it should not happen like that," former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has told the media.

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Talking about the ongoing 1st Test between India and West Indies, the visitors won the toss and opted to bat first in the opener of the two-match Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

IND vs WI Playing XIs

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

West Indies (Playing XI): Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope(w), Roston Chase(c), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales.