WI v IND, 2nd Test: West Indies start strong after Virat Kohli 121 helps India post 438 in Port of Spain

West Indies came up with a much-improved response with the bat on Day 2 of the landmark 100th Test against India in Port of Spain on Friday, July 21.

After having been bowled out for 150 and 130 in the first Test which they lost by an innings and 141 runs in Dominica, the West Indies batters put up a fight in the last two sessions on Friday after India posted a mammoth first innings total of 438, riding on Virat Kohli’s sensational 29th Test century.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and his young opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul took their time and did not allow the Indian new-ball bowlers to strike with the new-ball in the final session. The trio of pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat and debutant Mukesh Kumar, went wicketless as Brathwaite and Chanderpaul got off to a cautious start.

The two batters added 71 runs for the opening stand as they kept the Indian bowlers, including R Ashwin who had snared 12 wickets in the first Test in Dominica at bay.

However, toward the end of the day’s play, Tagenarine Chanderpaul got out for 33, playing a loose shot in the 35th over bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. West Indies batters were taking their time to lay a solid foundation but Tagenarine’s wicket gave India the much-needed breakthrough.

It only took 2 deliveries to dismiss Chanderpaul. @imjadeja spinning his magic!
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.#INDvWIonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/NW1lmoUCXv — FanCode (@FanCode) July 21, 2023

However, debutant Kirk McKenzie came out to bat at No. 3 with a positive approach, hitting a six against R Ashwin and remained unbeaten on 14. Brathwaite went to Stumps unbeaten on 37 as West Indies managed 86 for 1 in 41 overs.

VIRAT KOHLI SHOW
Earlier in the day, it was all Virat Kohli show as the former captain got to his 29th Test century, equaling Don Bradman on the all-time list of Test centurions. Kohli hit 121 in a knock that was a beautiful mix of solidity and fluency.

it was also Kohli’s 76th international century in his 500th international match. He surpassed legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had 75 centuries in his first 500 international games.

On Day 2, cricket fans were treated to a masterclass by Virat Kohli. Kohli’s century came in a match that held special significance for both teams, as it was the 100th Test match between India and West Indies.

The right-handed batter reached his century by hitting the ball past the cover-point for a four, a feat that has made him the only cricketer to achieve this in his 500th international match. This was also Kohli’s first international century overseas since 2018, ending a long wait for his fans.

However, Kohli’s century was not the only highlight of the day. Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin also made significant contributions to India’s first innings score of 438. Jadeja scored a crucial half-century, his 19th in Test cricket, while Ashwin hit an important half-century, building on Kohli’s 121. Their partnership helped India post a formidable total of 438 against the West Indies.

The foundation for India’s strong performance was laid on the first day of the Test. Captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both scored fifties, putting India in control despite the West Indies’ fightback in the second session. Sharma’s leadership and Jaiswal’s grit were instrumental in setting the tone for the Indian innings.