Well it wasn’t the usual start to a day’s play in the Caribbean as for very first time in the series, West Indies dominated a session completely. Jermaine Blackwood and spinner Roston Chase scored fifties as Ravi Ashwin took the only wicket of the session.
The proceedings started in a blistering manner as the pair of Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood scored 40 runs in the first 4 overs. The pressure seemed to count on the visitors as boundaries were leaking in almost every over.
Virat Kohli’s captaincy came under the scanner for the first time on the tour as regular bowling changes weren’t helping the cause either. First innings hero Jermaine Blackwood starred again as he scored his second fifty of the match. His good looking knock was cut short by the highest wicket taker in series so far, Ravichandran Ashwin, who bowled a flighted delivery to send Blackwood back for 63. The 93 run partnership was broken.
Before momentum could swing India’s way, Roston Chase came up with a different plan. He marshalled his innings in a most sensible manner and hitting bad balls out of the park. He was well supported by wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich, playing on 33*(59) on the other end.
Chase then bought up his maiden half century and completed his double of scoring a fifty and notching up 5 wickets in a same match. This feat was earlier achieved by Dwayne Bravo against Australia in Adelaide in 2005.
His innings of 70*(122) at lunch was enough to keep the hosts fighting.
India’s Amit Mishra and pace spearhead Ishant Sharma couldn’t trouble the batters as well. Mohammad Shami was the lone performer as he kept the host tickling at the crease.
West Indies are 215/5 at lunch in day 5 of 2nd Test.
Jermaine Blackwood - 63(54), Roston Chase - 70*(122)
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