2nd Test: Gill’s 129, Jaiswal’s 175 propel India to 518/5

New Delhi, Oct 11: Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets collectively as India strengthened their position in the second Test by reducing West Indies to 140/4 in 43 overs, trailing by 378 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 31 to offer some resistance for the visitors after Jadeja (3-37) and Kuldeep (1-45) struck in tandem to trigger a collapse of the visitors from 87/1 to 107/4. While West Indies showed more grit than they did in Ahmedabad, their innings was punctuated by lapses in concentration – errors that have repeatedly cost them in this series.

India’s dominance in front of 15,700 spectators on day two was established by declaring a commanding first-innings total of 518/5. It was led by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 129 – his tenth century in the format and fifth as the Indian captain, featuring 16 fours and two sixes – while Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a majestic 175. As the pitch begins to show signs of wear and tear, the hosts will aim to press home their advantage on day three.

The day began with a heartbreak for India as Jaiswal’s attempt at a third Test double hundred was cut short by a strange run-out in the second over. After driving a full ball to mid-off, Jaiswal set off for a quick single, but Gill had already called no. By then, Tagenarine Chanderpaul threw in a direct hit to the keeper’s end, and although Jaiswal desperately turned back after being more than halfway down the pitch, keeper Tevin Imlach quickly disturbed the stumps.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, promoted to number five with the aim of getting some game time by the Indian team management, survived a close lbw appeal on the second ball he faced from Jayden Seales before square driving him for four.