• India finished the second day's play on 312 for 2.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma smashed centuries against the hosts West Indies.

Twitter reactions: Centurions Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma put India on driving seat in Dominica Test
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Photo Source: Twitter)

India dominated the second day of the first Test against the West Indies in Dominica as debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma both scored centuries, propelling India to a significant lead of 162 runs. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on an impressive 143, while the opening partnership between him and Rohit extended from 80 overnight to a formidable 229 runs. However, India’s progress was steady, and they finished the day’s play on 312-2, with Virat Kohli accompanying Jaiswal on 36 not out.

Despite their tight bowling, the West Indies managed to claim only two wickets on the slow Windsor Park pitch. The hosts patiently waited for 20 overs to take the new ball and utilized nine different bowlers, yet their efforts were insufficient to disrupt India’s batting display. Alick Athanaze, another player making his debut for the West Indies, took his maiden Test wicket when he dismissed Rohit, breaking the massive opening partnership. Athanaze’s off-spin compensated for the absence of Rahkeem Cornwall, who left the field during the morning session due to a suspected chest infection.

During the first session, Jaiswal and Rohit faced a challenge from the West Indies bowlers, scoring only 66 runs in 32 overs. However, they achieved India’s first 100-run opening partnership in nearly a year. After lunch, Jaiswal and Rohit displayed more intent in their batting, surpassing the West Indies’ first-innings total of 150 in a relatively quicker time. Their partnership reached 200 runs, and Jaiswal became the 17th Indian player to score a century on Test debut, emulating Rohit’s achievement in 2013.

Rohit, on the other hand, continued his prolific innings and eventually notched his 10th Test century with an elegant cover drive. However, he was dismissed on the very next ball, caught by Athanaze off his thigh to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. Rohit’s innings comprised 103 runs off 221 balls, including 10 boundaries and two sixes. Shubman Gill, who had requested to drop down his batting order to No. 3, was caught by Athanaze at short second slip off spinner Jomel Warrican after scoring just 6 runs.

After a productive middle session, India’s run rate slowed down in the final session, adding only 67 runs in 32 overs. The West Indies used their last review to try and dismiss Kohli when he was on 9, but the decision stood as there was no contact with the ball. West Indies regretted not having a review when Kemar Roach struck Jaiswal on the back pad on 133. The hosts appealed for an LBW but were unsuccessful, with ball tracking confirming the ball hitting the leg stump. Kohli played a supportive role to Jaiswal, cautiously accumulating 36 runs from 96 balls by the end of the day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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ANIRUDH SINGH
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