Virat Kohli was the start of the show on day one, and the India captain will want to stay in the headlines on the second day of the first Test match against the West Indies in Antigua. Just 57 runs short of his first Test double century, Kohli will want to lead this India team to a big total in order to put the pressure firmly on the home team.
After a rather sedate start, where Murali Vijay fell early and India only just about got past 70 in the first session, Kohli changed the batting scenario completely, with his aggression and ability to get on top of the bowlers leading to India posting 302/4 at the close of play on day one.
Get the Day 2 report and score HERE
Kohli is unbeaten on 143, with R Ashwin giving him company at the other end, and the plan of action for the two right-handers will be to bat as long as possible in the first session, making sure they find their feet again in the middle, before cranking the pace up.
India will know the importance of posting a big total on the board in this first innings, having won the toss. Days 2 and 3 are usually the easiest to bat on, and while Kohli has gone in with give specialist bowlers for this match, it is going to be a long toil for them to get 20 wickets on this wicket at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
While there is some bounce on offer, the tackiness of the wicket means that the ball does not ping onto the bat that easily, with the spin that is there – Devendra Bishoo was finding a bit of turn towards the end of day one – being slow spin.
That means the likes of Ashwin and Amit Mishra, along the with three pacers – Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav – will need to work really hard for their wickets, with patience being the name of the game
Before that, however, these bowlers will have a job to do with the bat. Aiding Kohli, who will want to stay at the crease for as long as possible, in the middle will be the key in the first couple of sessions, as India look for the big score they so crave.
Wriddhiman Saha, who was demoted to No.7 with Ashwin coming in ahead of the wicketkeeper, will also want to prove he is a batsman that can be trusted. If the India lower order comes to the party alongside Kohli, a big total will definitely be in the offing.
Where to Watch Live
India vs West Indies 1st Test match, Day 2 is scheduled for a 7.30 p.m. IST (10 a.m. local time, 3 p.m. BST) start. Live TV coverage and live streaming information is below.
India: TV: Ten 2, Ten 3 and Ten 1 HD. Live Streaming: Ten Sports Live.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 5. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports and Sky Go.
Australia: TV: Fox Sports 5. Live Streaming: Foxtel.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport 2. Live Streaming: SuperSport.
