Windies vs India, 2nd Test: Key takeaways from Day 3
The Indian cricket team is eight wickets away from sealing a Test series win against West Indies. India are 1-0 up and are on the verge of wrapping up things on Day 4. India bowled Windies out for 117 and then declared at 168/4. Windies are 45/2 in pursuit of 468 runs. Here are the key takeaways.
Vihari and Rahane stand out
This Test series has belonged to Hanuma Vihari. After scoring 111 in the first innings, the right-handed batsman slammed a 76-ball 53* in the second innings. This was a third consecutive 50-plus score for him in the series. He repaid the trust and cashed in on his form. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten 64 was a solid affair. It was a strong outing for him.
KL Rahul's Test form a major concern for Team India
KL Rahul's poor run in Tests continued. He had another shot to make amends in the second innings, but things didn't go well. He poked at a superb ball from Kemar Roach that could have been left instead. India's top four failed in the second innings. Rahul's position is the biggest concern with players like Rohit Sharma being limited to the bench.
Roach and Holder give WI something to cheer about
India batted for 54.4 overs in the second innings and Windies did have the edge after getting some key wickets. India were reduced to 57/4 and Kemar Roach was terrific. He picked up three scalps including Virat Kohli (0). Meanwhile, skipper Jason Holder got Cheteshwar Pujara (27) to finish with six wickets in the Test. There were the key highlights of Windies.
How did Day 3 pan out?
Windies resumed Day 3 at 87/7 and India removed the last three wickets in the first session. Kohli opted to bat again and set a target. India were bothered by those quick wickets, before Rahane and Vihari settled the atmosphere with a 111-run stand. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami picked one wicket each to give India the platform.