India vs West Indies 2nd Test highlights: Five takeaways from Day 4 in Trinidad

India gave themselves the best chance to win the second Test against the West Indies with an ultra-aggressive batting approach after lead pacer Mohammed Siraj produced career-best figures on another rain-hit day here. Siraj's five-wicket haul in the morning session allowed India to bowl out the West Indies for 255 in their first innings after the hosts started day four at 229 for five. (Pic: AFP)

Updated On: 2023-07-24 09:07 AM IST

Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar

Team India (Pic: AFP)

Having gained a massive 183-run first innings lead, India went for an all-out attack in the second innings to smash 181 for two in 24 overs before declaring 35 minutes after the tea break to set the home team a 365-run target. India raced to 100 runs in 12.2 overs, the fastest team hundred in Test cricket history.

Siraj's first wicket of the day was Jason Holder who fished at a full ball swinging away to be caught behind. Next to depart was Alzarri Joseph, who had little clue about Siraj's sharp incoming ball and was trapped LBW after India successfully reviewed the on-field call of not out. Siraj completed his second five wicket haul of his Test career with another quick scrambled seam delivery that was too good for number 11 Gabriel.

At stumps on day four, West Indies were 76 for 2 in 32 overs with R Ashwin removing Kraigg Brathwaite (28) and Kirk McKenzie (0). The hosts need another 289 runs on the final day for an improbable win. Tagnarine Chanderpaul and Jermaine Blackwood were batting on 24 and 20 respectively at close of play. The day saw multiple rain stoppages and only three overs could be bowled in the afternoon session. Rain is expected on day five as well and the unpredictable weather played a role in India's ultra attacking mindset with skipper Rohit Sharma (57 off 44) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 off 30) going hammer and tongs from ball one.

The hosts, who resumed the day at 229 for five, lost five wickets for 26 runs to concede a huge advantage to India. Siraj, who is the leader of India's pace attack in the Caribbean in the absence of Mohammed Shami and injured Jasrpit Bumrah, has embraced the responsibility. The West Indies batters found him unplayable as the 29-year-old, like he often does, used the scrambled seam to perfection. However, it was debutant Mukesh Kumar who triggered the West Indies collapse by trapping southpaw Alick Athanaze (37) in front with an inswinger in the first over of the day. Play began half hour before scheduled time after time was lost due to rain on day three.

Ishan Kishan also got into the act with an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls in his second Test and shared an unconquered 79-run stand with Shubman Gill (29 off 37). Coming ahead of Virat Kohli at number four considering the stage of the game, Kishan made the opportunity count with a power packed effort comprising four boundaries and a couple of sixes.

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