WI v IND, 2nd Test Review: Roston Chase saves West Indies with a classy century

Sabina’s Park’s impeccable run as a result oriented venue came to a halt after West Indies managed an improbable draw in the 2nd Test against India.  Roston Chase followed his first innings half century with a classy 137 in the second innings to save his team from a likely loss. The off-spinning all-rounder proved his worth as a Test cricketer greatly by battling out a tough situation and helping his team to survive the Indian challenge.

India looked set for another overseas win by all means. Ravichandran Ashwin snapped a five-wicket haul to roll over the hosts for just 196 in the first innings. India then piled on 500/9d in the second innings and gain a massive 304 runs lead and reduced Windies to 48/4 inside the first 15 overs of Day four.

The stage was set for India. But, things didn’t go as planned for Virat Kohli & co. Roston Chase batted all through out the day five, forging three match-defining stands to deny the win for India. Jermaine Blackwood and Chase teamed up and added 93 runs for the 5th wicket. Both defended, attacked, and frustrated Kohli greatly proving to be the thorn in the flesh for the bowling side.

The pairs’ stay together came to an end after Ravi Ashwin intervened and snapped Blackwood. The ray of a win was beaming brightly again. But, wicket-keeper batsman Shane Dowrich then continued the resistance. Both dug in deeper and deeper and added 144 runs for the 6th wicket. Dowrich completed his 3rd half century in his short 4 match Tests career but soon departed.

However, Chase carried along with skipper Jason holder and added an unbeaten 103 runs for the seventh wicket before the match ended.

India clearly didn’t have any plan B to counter the defiance. After taking 4 wickets in 15 overs, the Indian bowled 88.1 over on the final day and could get only two-wicket while conceding 340 runs. Windies ended on 388/6 and successfully saved the game.

The Indian bowlers tried their best. Mohammad Shami was disciplined and mixed his lengths well. Ishant and Umesh used their bouncers nicely. Ravichandran Ashwin tempted Chase and his partners with loopy deliveries while Amit Mishra used everything he had in his arsenal.

But, the Windies never lost their focus. They played with great caution and looked determined to save the game. The confidence in the team must be running high. And, It is now important for the hosts to not fall back after giving such inspiring performance.

Brief Scores:

1st innings:

West Indies, 196 all out (Blackwood 62; Ashwin 5/52)

India: 500/9 d (Rahul 158; Chase 5/121)

2nd innings

West Indies: 388/6 (Roston Chase 137; Mohammad Shami 2/82)

Match drawn

Player of the match – Roston Chase