On an action-packed Day 4 of the second Test between West Indies and India, the momentum swung back and forth as both teams fought tooth and nail to gain an advantage. The day’s play saw West Indies resuming their first innings on 229/5 and India asserting their dominance with a commanding performance.
Starting the day on 229/5, the West Indies batters aimed to build on their overnight score. However, the Indian bowlers had different plans, as they displayed tremendous skill and precision. Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, troubling the Caribbean batters with his pace and movement. He scalped an impressive five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/60.
Mukesh Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja provided crucial support to Siraj, chipping in with two wickets each. Their disciplined bowling kept the West Indies innings in check, limiting them to 255 all out in 115.4 overs. Despite some resistance from the lower order, the Windies were unable to post a bigger total.
With a substantial lead of 183 runs, India stepped up to bat in their second innings. The Indian openers looked positive and determined to extend the lead further. Rohit Sharma maintained his sublime touch, playing some exquisite strokes on his way to a brisk half-century. He scored 57 runs off just 44 balls, setting the tone for the innings. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan showcased his aggressive batting style and notched up a rapid fifty, scoring 52 runs off only 34 balls. The West Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Shannon Gabriel and Jomel Warrican managing to bag only one scalp each.
India decided to declare their second innings at 181/2 after just 24 overs, setting a daunting target of 289 runs for West Indies to win the Test match.
In reply, West Indies finished Day 4 with 76 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets. The Caribbean side will now be determined to show resilience in order to draw or pull off a remarkable victory when they return to bat on the final day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Five-wicket haul in AUS.
Five-wicket haul in WI.
Four-wicket hauls in ENG.The Star of Indian bowling in the last 2 years – Take a bow, Siraj. pic.twitter.com/QYOo1OWeOm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 23, 2023
Ishan Kishan reached his maiden Test Fifty with Six 🔥 in just 33 ballspic.twitter.com/Ayt07wceJj
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) July 24, 2023
Best Bowling fig by Siraj in Test
5/60 at Port of Spain*
5/73 at Brisbane
4/32 at Lords
4/66 at Birmingham
4/94 at Lords
4/108 at OvalAll Came in Overseas!#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/KUXD4jUofF
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) July 23, 2023
Mohammad Siraj is on fire.
2 wickets in 2 overs for Siraj and West Indies now 8 down – Outstanding, Siraj. pic.twitter.com/I4MT4ruia0
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) July 23, 2023
Mohammed Siraj was breathing fire and he has his best figures in an innings of a Test Match!
2nd Five-wicket haul in Test for Siraj, one of the most improved bowlers in recent times!#WIvINDpic.twitter.com/AHr4As7AJV
— Anunay (@Anunay_Aanand) July 23, 2023
2nd five wicket haul for Mohammed Siraj in Test cricket 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/tJdKvlKodU
— 𝙍𝘿𝙆 #LEO (@Goatcheeku_18) July 23, 2023
Ishan kishan said : "Virat kohli pushed to bat at no.4 and score some runs"@imVkohli ❤ Most selfless cricketer ever#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/I2vNasgGhK
— Parijat Mishra (@imPmishra1) July 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/ArunabhBhardwa4/status/1683277723672924161
Ishan Kishan completed his maiden test half century in just 33 balls with 4 Fours & 2 Sixes. #WTC25 #WIvsIND
— Sharat Chandra Bhatt (@imsbhatt0707) July 23, 2023
Ishan Kishan thanked Rishabh Pant for helping in bat positions before going to WI Tests.
Both were openers for India U-19 in 2016 WC with Ishan leading the team and today he had "RP 17" written in his bat.
A beautiful story in Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/5gxB6mVjHY
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 24, 2023
Woke up to see my boi Ishan Kishan had his maiden half century yesternight 🥳🫶. pic.twitter.com/zPV1iqcZen
— 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗵𝗶𝗿 (@Seeker45m) July 24, 2023
Ishan Kishan 52* runs from just 34 balls by playing with Rishabh Pant's bat RP17 😯 pic.twitter.com/omiGBlFIRi
— Ajeet Kumar🇮🇳 (@ajeetkr03) July 24, 2023
Ishan Kishan was batting with Rishabh Pant's bat of RP17.
He completed his fifty with a shot similar to which Pant hits. 🥹❤️
A True Friendship #IshanKishan #RishabhPant
— _Anshuman17 (@Rishabians17) July 24, 2023