Day 2: India Take Command Against West Indies
The first Test between the West Indies and India entered its second day with India in a dominant position. At stumps, India were 448/5, enjoying a lead of 286 after the hosts were bowled out for 162 in reply. A disciplined morning spell by the Indian bowlers left the West Indies reeling, setting the stage for a high-quality batting display from India in the afternoon session.
Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja Lead the Charge
India’s innings was anchored by a trio of centurions in a single day of batting. Opening batsman KL Rahul reached the three-figure mark, storming to 100 off 197 balls with 12 fours. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel followed with a majestic 125 off 210 balls, striking three sixes and 15 fours before falling to Khari Pierre. At the end of the day, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with an undefeated 104 off 176 balls, including six fours and five sixes, ensuring India retained control and momentum heading into Day 3.
Jadeja’s Record-Breaking Sixes Milestone
Beyond the runs and partnerships, Jadeja added another feather to his cap. In the process of amassing runs, he moved into fourth place on India’s all-time list for most sixes in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni. The current tally shows Jadeja at 79 sixes from 129 innings, while Dhoni sits on 78 sixes from 144 innings. The two players sit behind Virender Sehwag (90 sixes in 178 innings) and Rohit Sharma (88 sixes in 116 innings) in the list of India’s six-hitting greats. This milestone underlines Jadeja’s ability to clear the boundary at will, even in longer formats where risk is often higher than in limited-overs cricket.
Innings Highlights and Early Wickets
Rahul’s 100 was built on a blend of classical strokeplay and fast wrists work, a masterclass in patient tempo and shot selection. Jurel’s 125 provided a counterpunching innings, turning the afternoon session into a showcase of patience and precision. Jadeja’s 104* acted as the bedrock on which India could declare or bat on, depending on how the rest of the innings unfolds. For the West Indies, Roston Chase was their most successful bowler with two wickets, while Jayden Seales and Khari Pierre each claimed a scalp as India’s middle order found form under pressure.
West Indies Bowling and Fielding Challenge
The West Indies’ attack had moments of resistance, with chase and seam variety testing India’s stern approach. Yet the day belonged to India’s star performers, who converted starts into substantial scores and set up a scenario where a big first-innings total looks within reach. The fielding effort, while occasionally frugal with extras, showed intent, and the bowlers backed it up with disciplined lines and probing lengths.
What This Means Going Forward
With India on 448/5 at the close, and a lead of 286, the match is tipping in India’s favour. If Jadeja can continue to anchor the innings and Rahul and Jurel press on, the visitors could push beyond 500 or more on the third day, cementing a strong position. For West Indies, the challenge will be to break the stand and apply pressure early in the morning session. Either way, Day 2 offered a compelling mix of patience, power, and a touch of history as Jadeja joined a select group of India’s six-hitting elite.
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