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India in command against West Indies after third day

India in command against West Indies after third day

By Reuters

India's Virat Kohli during the press conference during the ICC Cricket World Cup, India Press Conference, at The Ageas Bowl, in Southampton, Britain, on June 4, 2019. Photo: Action Images via ReutersChilds/File Photo

India strengthened their grip on the first test against West Indies with an unbeaten fourth-wicket century partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane on the third day in Antigua on Saturday. Kohli (51) and Rahane (53) brought up half centuries as India advanced to 185-3 in their second innings at the close in North Sound, an overall lead of 260 runs over the hosts. On a day of old-fashioned test cricket, the pair painstakingly compiled their runs primarily in singles and twos, combining for just five boundaries. Rahane enjoyed a touch of luck just before stumps when he was given not out after being rapped on the pad by pace bowler Kemar Roach. West Indies captain Jason Holder declined to review, which proved to be a mistake as replays showed the ball would have struck middle stump. Yet India had also made a similar mistake, having decided not to review when opener Mayank Agarwal (16) was adjudged lbw to off-spinner Roston Chase, even though the ball would have missed leg stump. West Indies resumed in the morning on 189-8 and added 33 runs to their overnight score, with Holder making 39 before being caught-behind off Mohammed Shami. Number 10 Miguel Cummins offered dogged resistance, facing 45 balls before being bowled without scoring by Ravindra Jadeja as India wrapped up the innings. Cummins spent 95 minutes at the crease in the second longest test innings by anyone out for a duck. Ishant Sharma conceded just one run in four overs but could not add to his five-wicket haul from Friday, finishing with 5-43. The two-test series is part of the World Test Championship.