PTI
Gros Islet, August 11: Ravichandran Ashwin (118, 297b, 6×4, 1×6) and Wriddhiman Saha (104, 227b, 13×4) struck sparkling centuries to lift India to 353 before the West Indies responded strongly to end day two at 107 for one in the third Test here.
Ashwin and Saha put India in control of the game with a marathon 213-stand before the wicket-keeper’s dismissal triggered a batting collapse as the visitors lost their last five wickets for 37 runs.
In reply, the West Indies made a promising start through Kraigg Brathwaite (53 batting, 143b, 6×4) and Darren Bravo (18 batting, 66b, 2×4) who played out the Indian bowlers with little difficulty. The hosts still trail India by 246 runs.
Post tea, Leon Johnson (23) and Brathwaite started off from 16/0 as Ashwin (0-17) started proceedings. But that was a ploy to change ends for Mohammed Shami (0-35) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-11). Though they got a little more purchase from this move, the batsmen were never really in trouble and brought up their 50-partnership in 114 balls. It was the first time the West Indies’ openers had crossed this mark in the Test series so far.
But their joy was short lived, as KL Rahul made amends for his dropping of Johnson (on 4) at second slip off Shami early in the innings. Stationed at short mid-wicket, he was quick to pick up the ball and a direct hit at the non-striker’s end sent Johnson back to the pavilion.
Bravo came to the crease then, and together batted out 23 overs with Brathwaite putting on 48 runs in the process.
Earlier in the post lunch session, Ashwin finally broke free of the shackles and smacked Roston Chase (2/70) for a six to reach his fourth Test hundred. At the other end, Saha too reached his maiden Test hundred . No further play was possible till lunch due to rain on the third day
Brief scores: India 353; West Indies 107 for one (Kraigg Brathwaite 53 batting). Match to continue.