Shared News | Last updated on Fri, 12 Oct, 2018, 11:52 AM
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!India’s spinners – R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav – picked up a wicket each with as many as 31.3 overs bowled in the session.
Windies played some positive cricket but India managed to keep things in check and pick up the early advantage as the visitors went to Lunch on the opening day of the second Test at 86 for 3 in Hyderabad on Friday (October 12). India’s spinners – R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav – picked up a wicket each with as many as 31.3 overs bowled in the session.
Windies were boosted by the return of Jason Holder to lead the side after recovering from an ankle injury, who won the toss and opted to bat. There was a surprise, however, as Windies decided to include Jomel Warrican instead of Kemar Roach. Both Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite started positively and took advantage of some poor bowling from Umesh Yadav. The pacer failed to settle down and get into a rhythm, and his wayward bowling only helped the Windies openers get comfortable at the crease with the track not offering much.
India were pulled back a touch when debutant Shardul Thakur hobbled off the field having pulled his groin just 10 deliveries into his Test career. Virat Kohli, armed with five bowlers, turned to Ashwin and the move worked immediately. Powell ran towards Ashwin a little too early and gave the offspinner time to adjust. Once the delivery was floated outside off, Powell was forced into playing a shot and ended up offering a simple catch to Ravindra Jadeja at cover. The opener had not only thrown away his start, he also helped India nose ahead just when it looked Windies would make the most of their steady start.
Powell will, probably, rue not sticking around having survived a close call. In Ashwin’s second over, he was given out lbw but reviewed the call. The replays confirmed a big inside edge and with the catch not taken, he had earned an early reprieve. Brathwaite, on the other end, looked assured and showed some tremendous application along with Shai Hope. However, the opener played the wrong line and was trapped lbw by Kuldeep in the 23rd over after a 68-ball stay.
Umesh made amends by dismissing the set Shai Hope (36) in the last over before the break. Hope too ended up losing the review after surviving a close lbw shout. In the 30th over, Hope was trapped in front by Umesh but the lbw appeal was turned down and replays showed the ball was clipping the top of leg stump after India challenged the decision.
Brief scores: Windies 86/3 (Shai Hope 36; R Ashwin 1-7) vs India.
