WI vs IND | Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin Put India in Driving Seat on a Rain-Marred Day
Ishan Kishsn scored his maiden Test fifty [AP Photo]
The rain god has played a cat and mouse game on Day 4 of the second Test in Trinidad, but that hasn't stopped Team India from taking advantage of a lacklustre West Indian side.
Some quality RO-Ball batting from Rohit Sharma and a late burst from Ishan Kishan, made sure that India push for a victory on a rain-hit day. Chasing a tricky 365, West Indies are 76 for 2.
Ishan Kishan flurry puts India in command
After a blazing start given by the Indian openers, West Indies struck with successive wickets of Rohit Sharma (57) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (38). In a surprising move, Indian captain promoted Ishan Kishan at number 4, in place of Virat Kohli, and the decision paid off as the southpaw repaid the faith of his skipper.
Rain arrived before the third session, and the final session was extended to almost 3.5 hours. Thanks to a quick-fire start by the openers, Kishan had the license to go for the kill and he did just that. The left-handed batter started at run-a-ball, but quickly rose to a 34-ball 52. This was his maiden Test fifty, and he was amply supported by Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 29.
Kishan slammed his maiden fifty with a six over long on and he ensured that the momentum stayed with India as Rohit declared the innings, meaning West Indies needed 365 to level the series.
Steady start for Windies, but they lose quick wickets
West Indies needed a solid opening foundation, but they could only muster a 38-run opening stand between Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kraigg Brathwaite. The partnersip was slow and it was clear that the Windies were playing out to save the day.
The resistance was broken by Ravichandran Ashwin, who dismissed the Windies skipper for 28. He followed it up with the crucial wicket of Kirk McKenzie (0) as the host were reeling at 44 for 2.
This is when vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood and Chanderpaul steadied the ship and made sure that the side didn't lose any further wickets.
Brief Score
India (2nd innings): 181-2 (24)
Rohit Sharma 57 (44), Ishan Kishan 52* (34);
Shannon Gabriel 1-33 (6)
West Indies (2nd innings): 76-2 (32)
Kraigg Brathwaite 28 (52), Tagenarine Chanderpaul 24* (98)
R Ashwin 2-33 (11)
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
