West Indies endure ‘tough’ start to 2nd Test vs India

In a commanding display of batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 173 propelled India to a dominant position on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The hosts concluded the day at 318-2, firmly in control of the match as they aim to secure a series sweep. Jaiswal, the left-handed opener, showcased a masterful blend of patience and aggression, striking 22 boundaries in his 253-ball innings. His marathon 193-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan (87) laid the foundation for India’s imposing total. Sudharsan’s dismissal in the final session was the only setback for India, as Jaiswal and skipper Shubman Gill (20*) steered the team to stumps without further loss. Jaiswal’s performance marked his fifth 150-plus score in Test cricket and his seventh century in just 26 matches, cementing his reputation as one of India’s most promising young talents. The 23-year-old, who debuted with a 171 against West Indies in 2023, celebrated his century with a heartfelt gesture to the enthusiastic crowd. West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with assistant coach Floyd Reifer acknowledging the challenging day. India’s strong start, led by Jaiswal and KL Rahul (38), set the tone for their dominance. The visitors, led by Roston Chase, face an uphill battle to avoid another Test whitewash after their recent 0-3 defeat to Australia.