New Delhi:
India started off poorly on day 2 of the first Test against West Indies in Antgua, losng Rishabh Pant for 24. However, Ravindra Jadeja batted with confidence and shared a partnership of 60 for the eighth wicket with Ishant Sharma, who hit 19 and consumed plenty of deliveries to frustrate West Indies. The duo batted for over 19 overs and India ended on 297 all out. Boosted by the performance of the lower order, Ishant led the charge and took 5/42 as West Indies were left reeling at 189/8. Speaking after the end of the day's play, Jadeja said it was important to build a partnership with the lower order as that would frustrate the West Indies team.
"I was constantly talking to Ishant that we should stay in the middle for as long as possible. That was the thought process. We knew if we kept believing in our defence and technique, then we can stay out in the middle. We were not thinking far ahead but taking one over at a time. I was positive in my mind, my shot selection was positive. When Rishabh got out, I was talking to Ishant about building a partnership and luckily we had a 50-plus partnership. In Test cricket, if the lower order like number 8, 9, 10 batsmen scored runs, the opponent bowlers get irritated and not good for them (opponents). So, it was the game plan," Jadeja said.
Ishant's spell of 5/42 was his ninth five-wicket haul and third in the Caribbean and Jadeja was full of praise for Ishant's bowling as he bowled the right length and line on this wicket.
"Ishant bowled well. The two caught and bowled (of Kraigg Brathwaite and Shimron Hetmyer) were remarkable, and I believe those two dismissals were the turning point. For a fast bowler, to take those return catches after so much of bowling is tremendous. On this wicket, you have to bowl in right areas. Ishant's rhythm improved with each over. He was also getting the swing as the ball got older, there was bounce and good carry and I think that helped him. If he did not hold on to two return catches, the situation might have been different. Those two dismissals helped us in turning the momentum into our side," Jadeja remarked.
India would be determined to bowl West Indies out for under 200 and build a hefty lead as they look to get their World Test Championship campaign going with a bang.
