Brilliant centuries by both the openers of India put them in a strong position. Yashasvi Jaiswal made his century in his very first match and skipper Rohit Sharma also scored a century after almost 6 months. India were 312/2 at the end of the day. And gets a lead of 162 runs.
India were 80/0 on day 1 and the openers looked more solid than day 1. Rohit and Jaiswal played sensible and targeted all the loose balls well. Both of them show pure test cricket. They were not looking in a hurry and slowly and steadily increased the run rate.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma also made a record of highest opening partnership for India in West Indies. They both together contributed 229 runs for the 1st wicket. After creating the record, in the next delivery Jaiswal scored his maiden century and got a great appreciation from the captain and the teammates who were at the dugout. A young talent from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh shows his extreme form in this year’s IPL where he performed brilliantly and gets rewarded to make his international debut against West Indies and he utilizes it well.
Rohit also scores his 10th Test century and his 2nd outside India. His last century came against New Zealand on January 24, 2023 at the Oval.
After completing his century, Rohit was dismissed in the next delivery by a part time baller Alick Athanaze who also plays his 1st International match. Firstly Athanaze was convinced that the keeper took the catch but the umpire refused and Braithwaite straight went for a review and in that it clearly shows that the ball touched the gloves of Sharma, umpire then reversed his decision. He goes out after scoring a brilliant knock of 103 runs in 221 balls which includes 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Shubman Gill was the next batsman to come in but he didn’t stay much longer and got dismissed by Warrican. Warrican spun the ball too much which took the edge of Gill’s bat and Athanaze took a great and sharp catch. He made only 6 runs. After that, Virat Kohli came and he along with Jaiswal contributed 72 runs for the 3rd wicket. Kohli looks in great touch from the very first ball and places the ball well. Both of them are not out at the end of the day. Jaiswal is batting at 143 runs in 350 balls which includes 14 fours and Kohli is batting at 36 runs in 96 balls with a single boundary.
Warrican and Athanaze both get 1 wicket each.
Now it will be interesting to see how much lead India can put against the West Indies batters. Also will West Indies be able to restrict them in a low lead or will they again have to struggle against the Indian batters?? Let’s see on day 3.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Opener of India, said,
About his innings, “I think this is one of the emotional knocks for me, it’s difficult to get the opportunities in the Indian team. I would like to thank everyone, the supporters, team management and Rohit Bhai.”
About the Pitch, “The pitch is on the slower side and the outfield is very slow. It was difficult and challenging, it was pretty hot and I wanted to keep doing it for my country. Just play ball by ball and enjoy my cricket. I love Test cricket. I like this challenge. I enjoy the situation when the ball swings and seams. We have worked hard on everything. I have just gone out to express myself.”
For his century, “Was an emotional moment. Was proud of myself, thankful for everyone. This is just a start and I want to do well going further.”