The Indians ended Day 2 of the first Test match in a commanding position after declaring their innings at 566 for 8.The highlight of the Indian innings was a brilliant double century by skipper Virat Kohli followed by a well compiled century by Ravichandran Ashwin. Meanwhile, Amit Mishra, Wriddhiman Saha and Mohammad Shami played valuable knocks to help India score an imposing first innings total.
Shannon Gabriel was once again impressive for the Windies with his pace and control. Off-spinner Kraigg Brathwaite had a good day in the park after picking up 3 Indian wickets.
Team Scorecard (At the End of Day 2):
India 566/8d
West Indies - 31/1 (16 overs) trail by 535 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the 1st innings
Match Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Time: 7:30 pm IST
West Indies Playing XI - KC Brathwaite, R Chandrika, DM Bravo, MN Samuels, J Blackwood, RL Chase, SO Dowrich (Wicket-keeper), CR Brathwaite, JO Holder (Captain), D Bishoo, ST Gabriel
Indian Playing XI - M Vijay, S Dhawan, CA Pujara, V Kohli (Captain), AM Rahane, WP Saha (Wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, A Mishra, I Sharma, M Shami, UT Yadav
Live Streaming:
The match can be viewed live on TV on Ten Cricket.
West Indies vs India will be streamed live on Tensports.com.
2nd Day’s Summary
Morning Session:
Centurion Virat Kohli continued his magnificent run of form from where he left on Day 1. Kohli displayed a wide range of shots and also showcased how good he was at accumulating runs on a wicket not very conducive for stroke play.
Ravichandran Ashwin found some luck going his way in the early part of the day after being dropped by wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich of seamer Shannon Gabriel. Ashwin yet again showcased his talent with the bat by scoring some textbook cricketing shots.
Ashwin and Kohli forged a century partnership to take India past the 400 mark. After applying himself brilliantly on a slow wicket, Kohli reached his first double century in Test cricket. The century was hailed as a special one, after being the first double hundred by an Indian skipper in overseas conditions.
Post Lunch Session:
Just after lunch, Kohli lost his wicket after playing Shannon Gabriel’s delivery on to his stumps. After Kohli’s departure, wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha joined Ashwin at the crease.
Also read: Viv Richards congratulates Virat Kohli for his 200
The Windies went back to their defensive tactics by deploying spinners from both the ends to get some quick overs up their sleeves. Saha forged a well-paced 71 run partnership with Ashwin by chipping in with a handy 40.
Saha was eventually stumped by keeper Dowrich off Kraigg Brathwaite’s bowling, giving Dowrich his maiden stumping in test cricket. Fellow spinner Amit Mishra joined Ashwin post Saha’s dismissal. Mishra was sent out with a clear intent to push the scoring rate and he responded well by scoring a breezy half century.
Meanwhile, Ashwin got to his third century in test cricket with a classical backfoot punch.For the records, all his three-figure knocks have come against the West Indies. Ashwin was eventually dismissed for 113 after scooping a catch to Gabriel off Kraigg Brathwaite’s bowling. Tailender Mohammed Shami entertained the crowd by hitting two sixes in his quick-fire 17 run knock. Eventually, the Indian declaration was made with an imposing total of 566 for the loss of 8 wickets.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin aiming to become a top-seven batsman for India
Post Tea Session:
The West Indians, who had a long day in the field looked jaded, and the three dropped catches were testimony to their tiredness. With 16 overs to play in the last session, the Indians thought it to be the ideal time to put the West Indian openers to test with a spell of aggressive fast bowling.
Captain Kohli was positive in his field placing, which saw him have slips and gully positioned for this seamers to get the initial breakthrough. After some play and misses by the Windies openers, Mohammad Shami eventually got rid of Rajendra Chandrika who edged one to wicket-keeper Saha. Spinner Devendra Bishoo was sent out as the night watchman to play out the day and avoid further damage. West Indies ended the day at 31 for 1, trailing India by 535 runs with nine wickets in hands.
Day 3:
How will the day unfold?
India look in a very commanding position after posting a mammoth 566 runs on board. The Indians now have ample time and the bowling arsenal at their disposal to bowl out a relatively inexperienced West Indian batting side to have a firm grip on the match.
The Indians seamers would like to create inroads into the West Indian top order in the morning session before the spinners cherish their opportunity to bowl against a side not very skilled at playing quality spin.
Meanwhile, the West Indians have an uphill task to get somewhere close to the daunting Indian total in order to stay afloat in the match.
The home side would have to counter the Indian pace trio and then confront the Indian spinners who would surely have a part to play as the cracks begin to widen as the day goes on. The Windies would largely bank upon test specialist Darren Bravo and experienced batsman Marlon Samuels to hold their innings together and put up a decent total.
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