Kohli keeps India on course for big total against West Indies

Port of Spain: (Reuters) – Virat Kohli forged a century partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for unbroken fifth wicket to steer India to 288-4 on opening day of second test against West Indies on Thursday.

An opening stand of 139 between skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a strong start after being put into bat at Queen’s Park Oval.

But they lost four wickets in second session to nearly squander the strong start before Kohli and Jadeja combined in a 106-run partnership to steady innings.

Kohli, playing in his 500th international game, was batting on 87 in with Jadeja on 36 at other end.

Both Rohit and Jaiswal had smashed hundreds in opening test in Roseau, where India triumphed inside three days to go 1-0 up in two-test series, and they picked up right where they left off.

India scored at a rate of nearly five an over in the first session with both openers bringing up their half-centuries before Jason Holder broke through when he had Jaiswal caught in the gully for 57.

Shubman Gill continued to struggle at his chosen number three slot. After making only six in Roseau he reached 10 before being caught behind to Kemar Roach.

Spinner Jomel Warrican denied Rohit (80) his hundred and Ajinkya Rahane (eight) dragged a ball from Shannon Gabriel on to his stumps as India slumped to 182-4.

Kohli took 21 balls to get off mark and was watchful throughout his knock which contained eight fours.

Jaiswal, who hit 171 in his test debut at Roseau, could not hide his disappointment after missing out on a second successive century.

“Of course I am disappointed, but it happens in cricket,” the 21-year-old left-handed batsman told reporters.

“I just need to keep learning and keep thinking how I can do better in my next innings.”