India’s dominance continued on the second day of the Test match in Dominica, highlighted by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable century on debut.
The day’s play was a test of patience and resilience, with Jaiswal displaying unwavering composure during his unbeaten knock of 143. Partnering with captain Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal propelled India to a position of strength while setting multiple milestones along the way.
Despite a slow start in the morning session, India managed to accumulate 99 runs at an impressive run rate of four per over, extending their lead to 95 by Tea. However, West Indies fought back, claiming the crucial wickets of Rohit and Shubman Gill, momentarily halting India’s progress.
It was during the second session that Jaiswal truly shone, leaving a lasting impression on his Test debut. With Rohit by his side, Jaiswal constructed a formidable partnership of 163 runs, surpassing the previous record held by Wasim Jaffer and Virender Sehwag for India’s highest opening stand in the West Indies. Jaiswal’s innings featured a display of exquisite shots, including an elegant cut shot for his third boundary of the day.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Jaiswal’s century, making him only the third Indian opener to achieve this feat on Test debut.
His innings showcased remarkable determination, surpassing Mohammed Azharuddin’s record for facing the most deliveries by an Indian on debut. Jaiswal’s resilient approach wore down the West Indian bowlers, leading India to a commanding total of 312/2 at Stumps, with a lead of 162.
In the morning session, Rohit and Jaiswal faced a disciplined West Indies attack. Despite the pacers and spinners finding purchase from the pitch, Rohit displayed his proactive approach, scoring boundaries against both pace and spin.
His attacking mindset was rewarded with a six over midwicket off Alzarri Joseph. Jaiswal, on the other hand, played a more cautious role, crossing the 50-run mark with just one boundary before Lunch.
During the second session, Jaiswal’s milestone-laden innings took center stage. Alongside Rohit, he formed a record-breaking partnership of 229 runs. Both batsmen reached their centuries, marking only the sixth time in history that both Indian openers scored centuries in the same away Test match.
However, Rohit’s departure came shortly after, gloving a delivery to the wicketkeeper. Shubman Gill had a fortunate escape from a potential run-out chance but fell to Jomel Warrican’s bowling soon after. Nevertheless, Kohli joined Jaiswal at the crease, and they took India’s lead close to the 100-run mark by Tea.
In the final session, Jaiswal continued his composed innings, striking a boundary early on. Kohli also settled into his rhythm, as the pair steadily extended India’s lead. West Indies exhausted their final review in an attempt to dismiss Kohli, but replays confirmed his survival.
With the second new ball finally taken, the West Indies bowlers intensified their efforts, but Jaiswal and Kohli remained resilient. The partnership crossed the 50-run mark, and the Indian lead soared past 150 by the end of a slow-moving session.
Overall, it was a day of remarkable achievements for India, with Jaiswal’s debut century and the record-breaking partnership between him and Rohit Sharma. The team’s commanding position puts them in a strong position heading into the next day’s play, further solidifying their dominance over West Indies in the first Test match.
