India are
in a commanding position at the end of the second day’s play in the
series-opening Test match against the West Indies. After opting to bat first on
what appeared to be a good batting track, the tourists would have expected to
post a huge total on the board. And they accomplished just that, thanks to a
masterful double century by skipper Virat Kohli and a useful hand from
Ravichandran Ashwin.
Resuming the second day at 302/4, Kohli and Ashwin, who were 143 and 22 overnight respectively, continued to accumulate runs with little difficulty. The pair batted through the entire morning session, with skipper Kohli getting to his maiden double century on the stroke of the lunch break.
The Quint picks out a few numbers associated with Kohli’s double century and his partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin.
Kohli’s Highest Score In All Formats
Prior to this Test match, Virat Kohli had not scored a double century in any form of cricket at the senior level. His highest score in first-class cricket was 197 and his highest score in limited overs cricket was 183. His 200 in the ongoing Antigua Test became his highest score across all formats.
Rare Double Hundred By An Indian Captain
By getting to his double century, Kohli on Friday claimed membership to an elite club. Kohli’s double hundred was also a rare one by an Indian captain; prior to the ongoing Antigua Test, India had played a total of 495 Test matches, and there had been only 4 double centuries scored by Indian captains.
First Indian Captain To Score A Double Hundred In An Overseas Test
Kohli’s 200 will also be a special one in the annals of Indian cricket because it was the first time an Indian captain had scored a double hundred in an overseas Test match.
Youngest Captain to Score a Double Century in Tests in the Caribbean
Virat Kohli, at 27 years and 260 days of age, became the youngest of the seven captains who have scored a double hundred in Test matches in the Caribbean.
Kohli - The Captain, Leading From The Front
While rejoicing over Virat Kohli’s accomplishments over the last year or two, one should also appreciate how beautifully he has shouldered the responsibility of captaincy – using the additional responsibility to motive himself further and lead from the front. Since taking over captaincy, Kohli’s batting average has increased by nearly 50% – which is a phenomenal increase.
Important Contribution From Ashwin
While Kohli deservedly walked away with all the honours, one should not forget to applaud the contribution of Ravichandran Ashwin. One of the reasons he was promoted to number six, it was speculated, was his prior success against the West Indies.
The 29-year old certainly did not disappoint, going on to score the third century of his Test career – all three coming against the West Indies. He contributed 64 in the 168-run partnership with Kohli, and thereafter added 30 runs with Wriddhiman Saha and a further 19 runs in the 51-run seventh wicket partnership with Amit Mishra.
India’s Second Highest Total in Tests in the Caribbean
The end result – India got to 566-8 and declared their innings. The 566 is India’s second-highest total in Test matches in the Caribbean.
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