West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1 Review: Roston Chase ton puts host in commanding position

The West Indies team had a dismal time at the Sabina Park in the first match of the 3-match Test series against Pakistan. They could offer no resistance against the might of the visitors. Having lost the limited overs series prior to the Tests, this 3-match series was all about redemption for the hosts. But the kind of performances they put forth in the first Test only made the visitors being tagged as favorites for the series.

Amidst this situation, the action moved to the Kensington Oval at Barbados for the second Test of the series. It was Roston Chase who dominated the proceedings on the day with a masterly 131 to his name. His knock put the hosts in commanding position on the day. Earlier in the game, it was West Indies skipper Jason Holder who won the toss and opted to bat first. They went in with an unchanged squad in the match. For Pakistan, it was Shadab Khan who made his Test debut.

In walked the West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell to start the proceedings in the match. Mohammad Amir shared the new ball with rookie pacer Mohammad Abbas. Brathwaite’s stay at the crease did not last long as he edged one to Sarfraz in the 5th over bowled by Mohammad Amir. He departed with only 9 runs to his name. Young batsman Shimron Heytmer did not contribute too much either and made the long walk back after having scored just 1. Mohammad Abbas accounted for his dismissal.

Yasir Shah joined the party for Pakistan as he cleaned up Shai Hope on 5 to see the hosts struggle at 37/3. In walked Roston Chase at number 5 to join Kieran Powell at the crease. Both batsmen showed character to battle it out against the aggressive Pakistani bowling. They added 65 runs for the 4th wicket before Powell was sent packing on 38 by Mohammad Amir just after the lunch.

Vishaul Singh, the young Guyana all-rounder was promoted ahead of Shane Dowrich but in vain. He perished after scoring just 3 as Abbas bagged his second for the day. West Indies were seen struggling 107/5 as Roston Chase held the fort from one end.

Chase finally found some support from Shane Dowrich who played magnificently too. Both batsmen had earlier bailed out the West Indies team from trouble in the first innings of the first Test as well. They added 47 runs for the 6th wicket. The partnership was broken when Shadab Khan got his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Dowrich on 58.

What followed next was all about the hosts. Jason Holder and Roston Chase batted out the remainder of the day’s play to ensure that no more wickets fell on the day. Holder brought up his fifty in the process. More importantly, it was Roston Chase who scored a majestic ton under pressure to carve a name for himself. By the end of the day’s play, Holder remained unbeaten on 58 and Chase had 131 to his credit.

West Indies finished day 1 of the 2nd Test with 286/6 to their account in a total of 89 overs bowled.

Brief Scores:

West Indies 286/6 in 89 overs (Chase 131*, Holder 58*, Abbas 2/47, Amir 2/52)

Check the full scorecard here.