India astoundingly declared overnight on Day 2 at a lead of 286 runs. The declaration was somewhat expected given that Ravindra Jadeja had got up to his ton at the brink of Day 2. Kuldeep Yadav though in 2nd innings, dented West Indies’ batting line-up. West Indies are reeling at 66-5 as Kuldeep Yadav‘s variations proved to be too much foxy.
Mohammed Siraj draws first blood
Tagenarine Chanderpaul & John Campbell had a mountainous task ahead of them. West Indies had more than adequate time left in the Test match with 3 proper days of Test cricket remaining. West Indies’ openers played out the first 7 overs pretty chary, as there was no rush of runs and surprising intent as well.
It was just a matter of time, and that happened to Mohammed Siraj in the 8th over, bowled a bumper. Tagenarine Chanderpaul couldn’t control the pull shot as Nitish Reddy at square leg took a diving catch. It was yet another low score by Chanderpaul. West Indies lost opener John Campbell as well as at the drinks break, West Indies’ score was 26-2 in 14 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav’s magic floors the West Indies
Kuldeep Yadav & Ravindra Jadeja started to operate in tandem. Kuldeep Yadav was getting drift and turn, and Ravindra Jadeja’s immaculate line & length was quite a treat to watch. Kuldeep Yadav clean bowled Rotson Chase by bowling a beauty of a delivery as Chase couldn’t read a good length delivery. West Indies’ score was 35-4.
It was quite frustrating to see that there was no fight or intent from the Caribbean batters. Ravindra Jadeja was creating different angles, which stunned the batters massively. Perhaps India got the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja & Kuldeep Yadav after the earlier one of (*retired) Ravichandran Ashwin- Ravindra Jadeja. West Indies lost half of their side, and at the end of the morning session, the score was 66-5.
What lies ahead for India & West Indies in the afternoon session
India needs just one more wicket, either of Alick Athanaze or Justin Greaves, and then the West Indies tail-enders would be exposed. We can expect the Test match most probably to end today unless Alick Athanaze smashes a big staggering ton. West Indies need to show some fight as undoubtedly the surface has become a minefield, but giving up is not acceptable in Test cricket. Only time will tell how long West Indies lasts.
Also Read: IND vs WI: Dhruv Jurel & Ravindra Jadeja Pummel Tons & Get Lead Past 275