New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) Yashasvi Jaiswal further established himself in the realm of international cricket with a stunning unbeaten 173, while B Sai Sudharsan silenced his critics with a commendable 87 as India finished the first day of the second and final Test against West Indies with a score of 318/2 in 90 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.

From the moment captain Shubman Gill won his inaugural toss as India’s Test captain and opted to bat on a slow pitch in front of 11,000 spectators, the day unfolded perfectly for India. Jaiswal and KL Rahul set a solid foundation with a 58-run partnership before Jaiswal engaged in a remarkable 193-run alliance with Sudharsan, who achieved his first Test fifty on Indian soil.

Following the lunch break, Jaiswal accelerated, reaching his century with panache after a cautious start, capitalizing on loose deliveries and accumulating runs with ease. Although the scoring rate dipped in the final session, India maintained control. Jaiswal surpassed 150 runs for the fifth time in his burgeoning Test career, looking poised to continue his run on day two, with Gill also appearing solid at 20 not out.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Jaiswal’s innings, showcasing his mastery in managing the tempo as an opening batsman. He absorbed early pressure, seized on loose balls during the middle session, and tightened his game as the West Indies bowlers regained their discipline late in the day.

The West Indies bowlers showed discipline in patches, with no extras given away throughout the day and maintaining an impressive over rate. However, only Jomel Warrican managed to secure wickets.

The crowd’s chants initially echoed for 'Kohli, Kohli', in honor of the local legend, but shifted to 'Jaiswal, Jaiswal' by lunchtime, thanks to Jaiswal’s and Rahul’s ability to navigate early movement before unleashing a barrage of boundaries.

Rahul drew applause from the crowd with exquisite shots, including a perfect punch and whip off Seales for consecutive boundaries. The onslaught continued with Jaiswal’s striking boundaries, including a powerful straight drive off Philip.

After the opening stand reached 50, Rahul lofted Khary Pierre for six but was caught out by sharp turn from Warrican for 38.

Jaiswal continued to shine, playing exquisite cuts and sweeps to maintain momentum. Sudharsan, walking in at number three under scrutiny, also started solidly, contributing with flicks and punches to keep the rhythm alive.

The second session for India was explosive, with Jaiswal quickly striking boundaries off Jaydon Seales and driving a half-volley through cover for four, reaching his fifty in just 82 balls. While Jaiswal continued to score freely, Sudharsan utilized his quick hands effectively to create scoring opportunities.

On an overpitched delivery from Pierre, Sudharsan notched his second Test fifty in 87 balls. Jaiswal capitalized on loose deliveries, reaching his century and celebrating with his helmet off, raising his bat to the crowd.

Sudharsan had a moment of fortune on 58 when Greaves induced a false shot, but Warrican dropped a simple catch. The third session began with Jaiswal striking a boundary off Chase before Sudharsan also found the ropes again.

Sudharsan’s brilliant innings ended when he was lbw to Warrican, who spun the ball sharply to catch the batter at the crease. Sudharsan reviewed the decision but was confirmed out, leaving him just 13 runs shy of a potential century.

While Gill executed two superb slog sweeps off Pierre, Jaiswal continued to dominate, striking boundaries off Warrican. Jaiswal celebrated reaching 150 with a flick off his pads, acknowledging the applause from teammates and fans. As the West Indies took the second new ball, Jaiswal and Gill displayed caution before returning to aggressive play.

As Gill played a sublime drive wide of mid-off, Jaiswal executed a stylish backfoot cut and consecutive boundaries, ensuring India finished the day in a commanding position with intentions of extending their dominance on day two.

Brief Scores: India 318/2 in 90 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 173 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 87; Jomel Warrican 2-60) against West Indies.