In the opening Test match between India and the West Indies, debutant opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased remarkable composure and impressive temperament as he compiled a well-deserved half-century. Assisted by captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian openers asserted control over the game, taking the score to 146 for no loss at lunch on the second day. The match, held at Windsor Park, witnessed a slower pitch with deliveries losing their pace and offering less movement.
Despite the challenging conditions, the Indian batsmen exercised caution, avoiding unnecessary risks against a relatively lackluster Caribbean bowling attack. This allowed them to accumulate a modest 66 runs during the session. Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican, the West Indian spinners, bowled tight lines but struggled to produce wicket-taking deliveries.
Moreover, the sluggish nature of the pitch favored the Indian openers' defensive play. Jaiswal, who began the day at 40, achieved his half-century with an authoritative boundary, affirming the team management's decision to promote him as an opener in his debut Test match. The Indian batting duo demonstrated their prowess with a combination of boundaries and sixes, adapting to the conditions.
As the match progresses, India aims to bat the West Indies out of the game, capitalizing on the advantage of a worn-out pitch that could make batting challenging in the third innings. With their solid performance, the Indian team seeks to establish dominance and secure a commanding position in the match.
Debutant opener Yashasvi Jaiswal played exceptionally well, showing great composure and temperament as he scored a well-constructed half-century in the opening Test against the West Indies. Along with captain Rohit Sharma, who also played cautiously and reached his 15th half-century in Test cricket, the Indian openers took the score to 146 for no loss at lunch on the second day.
The pitch at Windsor Park had become slower, causing most deliveries to stop and come onto the bat. As a result, only 66 runs were scored during the session. The Indian batsmen chose not to take any unnecessary risks and adopted a patient approach against the Caribbean bowlers, who lacked potency.
The two West Indian spinners, Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican, bowled tightly but failed to deliver many wicket-taking balls. The slow nature of the pitch also made it easier for the Indian openers to defend. Jaiswal, who began the day on 40, hit his first boundary on the second day, reaching his half-century. This boundary also justified the team management's decision to promote him to the opening position on his debut. Jaiswal has hit seven boundaries so far, with six of them coming on the first day, while Rohit has hit six fours and two sixes.
The old Dukes ball didn't offer much reverse swing, and Rohit's six over mid-wicket off Alzarri Joseph was the standout shot of the morning. He also played a square cut off Jomel Warrican and punched a full-toss through the covers after a quiet first hour.
With plenty of time left in the match, the Indian team is aiming to dominate the West Indies and make it difficult for them to chase in the third innings on a worn-out pitch. By batting well and posting a big score, India hopes to take control of the game and secure a strong position.