India built a first-innings lead of 304 runs before declaring at 500 for nine on day three of the second Test against West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday. Ajinkya Rahane scored his seventh Test century, and the third in four innings, compiling an unbeaten 108 off 237 balls. He made 127 and 100 not out against South Africa in Delhi in December. Rahane brought up his century with a somewhat lucky boundary when he edged off-spinner Roston Chase between the wicketkeeper and first slip.
Light rain prompted a brief stoppage during the second session and more showers are forecast for Tuesday at Sabina Park, which might offer West Indies a lifeline as they try to avoid losing the first two Tests in the four-match series.
But with seven sessions still to play, they face a tall order to save the game.
The West Indies bowlers stuck to their task well, keeping the India batsmen subdued for long periods. It took the visitors 171 overs to compile their mammoth total as they scored at less than three runs per over. Chase (5-121) returned the best figures while captain Jason Holder got little reward for his efforts, conceding only 72 runs from 34.2 lively overs. He picked up only one wicket, his first of the series, when he trapped Wriddhiman Saha lbw for 47.
India can’t seem to stop landing punches on the hosts. It’s as if the West Indies are a punching bag and are being beaten down to a pulp. If yesterday was Rahul show, today, it was all about Rahane who knocked the stuffing out of the West Indian attack. The Mumbai batsman registered his 7th Test hundred. On expected lines, Kohli declared the Indian innings just after Rahane reached his ton. However, rain arrived forcing the players to take early Tea and further play wasn’t possible. The visitors have secured a lead of 304 which has put the match beyond West Indies’ grasp. The weather pattern isn’t too promising for tomorrow with a tropical storm predicted to hit the Jamaican shores. Let’s just hope it stays away. That’s it from us then, make sure that you join us for the action tomorrow.
WEST INDIES 1st Innings 196
INDIA 1st Innings (overnight 358 for five)
KL Rahul c wkp Dowrich b Gabriel 158
S Dhawan c Bravo b Chase 27
C Pujara run out 46
*V Kohli c Chandrika b Chase 44
A Rahane not out 108
R Ashwin lbw b Bishoo 3
+W Saha lbw b Holder 47
A Mishra c Chandrika b Chase 21
Mohammed Shami b Chase 0
U Yadav c Holder b Chase 19
Extras (b8, lb3, w6, nb10) 27
TOTAL (9 wkts decl; 171.1 overs) 500
Fall of wickets: 1-87, 2-208, 3-277, 4-310, 5-327, 6-425, 7-458, 8-458, 9-500.
To bat: I Sharma.
Bowling: Gabriel 28-8-62-1 (nb7), Cummins 26.4-4-87-0, Holder 34.2-12-72-1, Chase 36.1-4-121-5, Bishoo 35-5-107-1, Brathwaite 11-0-40-0.
Position: India lead by 304 runs.
Toss: West Indies.
