West Indies vs India, 2nd Test, Day 2 preview: Onus on lower order to prove mettle on testing pitch

India held the edge over West Indies after a tough day’s play to reach 264/5 by stumps. Hanuma Vihari (42*) and Rishabh Pant (27*) have already added 62. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, they will have to push the score as far as possible before unleashing the trio of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.

West Indies put India in on a wicket that offered plenty of bounce. India started well, adding 32 in 41 balls before Jason Holder (3/39) produced a peach that jagged away, took KL Rahul’s (13) edge, and went to debutant Rahkeem Cornwall at first slip. On 46, Cheteshwar Pujara (6) cut Cornwall (1/50) to backward point.

Mayank Agarwal (55) and Virat Kohli (76) then took control as Kemar Roach (1/47) and Holder took turns from one end and Cornwall kept wheeling away at the other. Things would have been more difficult had West Indies not been crippled by Shannon Gabriel’s injured ankle.

Agarwal eventually slashed one off Holder and was caught, once again, by Cornwall. Ajinkya Rahane (24) was slow in his forward push and was caught behind off Roach. Kohli, too, was caught behind off a beautiful leg-cutter by Holder. Both catches were taken by debutant Jahmar Hamilton, who had an impressive day behind stumps.

Key players

Jason Holder (West Indies): With figures of 20-6-39-3, Holder was the standout performer on Day One. He hardly bowled a loose ball, often beat the edge, took out three top order batsmen, and will raring for an encore on Day Two. He may even be needed to bat before stumps.

Rishabh Pant (India): Pant has taken some flak for his recent failures, mostly due to some questionable strokes. However, he has shown excellent temperament here, putting his head down to see it through till stumps. He will be expected to continue from here – and to keep well later in the day.

Brief scores

India 264/5 (Virat Kohli 76, Mayank Agarwal 55; Jason Holder 3/39) vs West Indies.

Prediction

India to cling on till lunch. Then unleash Bumrah.