IND vs WI: India put West Indies on the back foot on the opening day of the second Test in Port of Spain, Trinidad. After winning the toss and batting first, India posted a strong total of 438, with Virat Kohli scoring his 29th Test century. West Indies were 86 for 1 at stumps on day one, trailing by 352 runs.
Kohli’s innings was the highlight of India’s batting performance. He scored 113 off 201 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja also made a valuable contribution with 61 runs.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain India’s batsmen on a good batting surface. Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.
West Indies will need to improve their batting if they are to challenge India in the second Test. Kraigg Brathwaite and Shamarh Brooks will need to provide solid starts, while the likes of Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Mohammed will need to contribute with the bat.
The West Indies bowlers will also need to step up their game. Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph have been the most impressive bowlers so far, but they will need more support from the other bowlers if they are to take 20 wickets.
The second Test is evenly poised after day one. India have the advantage of batting first, but the West Indies have shown in the past that they can be a dangerous side when they are set a target. The second Test is sure to be an exciting contest.
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West Indies started their reply well on Day 2, reaching 86/1 at stumps. Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul put on a 59-run partnership before Chanderpaul was dismissed by Jadeja for 23. Brathwaite remained unbeaten on 48, while Kirk McKenzie was on 24.
India will be looking to build on their first-innings lead on Day 3, while West Indies will need to bat well to avoid a heavy defeat.
Key moments from Day 2:
- Virat Kohli scored 121 off 206 balls, his 29th Test century.
- Ravindra Jadeja scored 61 off 152 balls, his 19th Test half-century.
- Ravichandran Ashwin scored 51 off 110 balls, his 10th Test half-century.
- Kraigg Brathwaite scored 48 not out off 105 balls.
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 23 off 57 balls before being dismissed by Jadeja.
- Kirk McKenzie was on 24 not out off 64 balls at stumps.
Looking ahead:
India will be looking to build on their first-innings lead on Day 3. They will need to bowl well and take wickets early in the West Indies innings. West Indies will need to bat well to avoid a heavy defeat. They will need to build partnerships and score runs at a decent pace.
The weather forecast for Day 3 is for mostly sunny skies with a high of 32 degrees Celsius. There is a 10% chance of rain.