WI vs IND | India's Dominant Display Gives Them Control in Second Test Against West Indies
West Indies bowlers failed to get a breakthrough (Twitter)
Team India has taken control of the ongoing second and final Test of the series against West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Having been put into bat, Indian opener Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed solid performances, ending the morning session at a comfortable 121/0 and leaving West Indies seeking answers.
Coming into the game, West Indies brought seasoned pacer Shannon Gabriel and debutant Kirk McKenzie, while India included Mukesh Kumar, making his Test debut, replacing Shardul Thakur, who was nursing a minor injury. However, the changes seemed to have little impact on the performance of the Indian openers, who started the day with purpose and confidence.
WI vs IND Day 1, 1st session: How did the session pan out?
Indian openers dominate first hour
Despite West Indies' bowlers maintaining discipline with the exception of a few short balls, the Indian opening pair established their dominance right from the get-go. They not only defended well against the West Indian bowlers but also scored at a rapid pace, leaving the opposition without a breakthrough in the first hour.
Rohit and Jaiswal bring up fifties
Controlling the majority of the strike, the Indian captain stylishly brought up his half-century by hitting a six off Kemar Roach. At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased composed cricket, effectively capitalizing on poor deliveries and showing due respect to the good ones.
Their combined effort led to their second consecutive 100-run partnership, a strong follow-up to the 229-run stand in the first Test. Jaiswal followed his captain and brought his half-century by smashing consecutive boundaries.
Athanaze drops Jaiswal’s catch
Just before lunch on Day 1, West Indies had a golden opportunity when Jaiswal edged the ball while attempting a defensive shot. However, Alick Athanaze dropped the catch, bringing an unfortunate end to the West Indies' disappointing session.
Meanwhile, India managed to capitalize on their strong start and went into lunch on Day 1 with a commanding score of 121/0 after 26 overs.
India hold firm, West Indies seek redemption
As it stands, India is comfortably in the driver's seat, and it will require an extraordinary effort from the West Indian bowlers to dislodge the commanding opening pair.
In the upcoming sessions, the host team will aim to regain momentum with some early breakthroughs to claw back into the Test. For India, the strategy is simple – maintain the current momentum and further solidify their strong position in the Test match.
Brief Scores
India (1st innings): 121/0 (26)
Rohit Sharma 63* (102), Yashasvi Jaiswal 52* (56)
Jason Holder 0-12 (5), Jomel Warrican 0-17 (5)