The second Test match of the India tour of West Indies 2023 was declared a draw post complete washout on Day 5 due to rain at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
West Indies won the toss and opted to field first. The visitors had a great start once again in the series as both the openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (57) and Rohit Sharma (80) added 139 runs for the first wicket partnership on Day 1. While Jaiswal struck nine boundaries and a six, skipper Rohit also hit nine fours and two sixes. Post a great start, it was Virat Kohli (121) who scored a magnificent century. King Kohli was at his supreme best as his knock consisted of pure patience and determination. Ravindra Jadeja (61) and Ravichandran Ashwin (56) once again proved to be imminent for the Indian Test team as both added important runs towards the end. In the first innings with the bat, India scored massive 438/10 runs.
For WI in the first innings with the ball, three wickets each were grabbed by Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican. Two wickets were also grabbed by Jason Holder while one wicket was also taken by Shannon Gabriel.
The home team with the bat in the first innings looked promising as captain Kriagg Brathwaite (75) led the charge as he scored a well-needed half-century. His inning consisted of five boundaries and a six. While the team got all out for just 255, other batters’ contributions were limited to just around 30s. Alick Athanaze (37), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (33) and Kirk McKenzie (32) were the only other batters to have decent scores to their name.
For Team India while bowling in the first innings, Mohammad Siraj plucked a fifer in just 24 overs. Two wickets were also grabbed by debutant Mukesh Kumar and Jadeja. Not to forget Ashwin also took a wicket.
In the second innings for Team India, the batters went all guns blazing as the team scored 181 runs in just 24 overs. Jaiswal (38) and Rohit (57) once again gave India a quick start while Shubman Gill (29*) and Ishan Kishan (52*) continued the proceedings. Only Gill’s strike rate was under 100 while the other three batters had over 120 which helped India to have a better lead going into the final inning of the match.
In the second innings for WI with the ball, one wicket each was scalped by Warrican and Gabriel.
With over 350 to get now, WI had their eyes set on the target. Had they chased down, which looked promising but well distant, it would have been massive for West Indies cricket. Nonetheless, skipper Brathwaite (28) got out soon enough. Chanderpaul (24*) along with Jermaine Blackwood (20) stood tall but the rain gods had some other plans.
On the penultimate day with the ball for India, Ashwin was the only bowler to scalp wickets. The spinner grabbed two in quick succession to give India an early advantage while defending.
It rained throughout Day 5 which perhaps ruined a perfect outing for cricket fans who were up to watch some incredible action on the final day. India were sure in the driving seat but the hosts were better here than at the Dominica.
Siraj was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling display. Following this outcome of the draw, India claimed the series by 1-0.
Scorecard:
India: 438-10, Overs 128, Virat Kohli 121, Jomel Warrican 3/89
West Indies: 255/10, Overs 115.4, Kriagg Brathwaite 75, Mohammad Siraj 5/60
India: 181-2d, Overs 24, Rohit Sharma 57, Shannon Gabriel 1/33
West Indies: 76/2, Overs 32, Kriagg Brathwaite 28, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/33