New Delhi: Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav‘s spin magic was at its peak on the third day of the second Test match being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kuldeep broke the back of the West Indies batting line-up with his fifth five-wicket haul in his Test career. His lethal bowling helped India dismiss the West Indies for 248 in the first innings taking a massive 270-run lead and forcing the visitors to follow on.
By the end of the third day’s play the West Indies had scored 35 runs for the loss of two wickets in their second innings still trailing India by 235 runs. India is now just eight wickets away from victory and on the verge of a 2-0 series sweep.
Kuldeep creates history West Indies helpless
When West Indies resumed play on the third day at 140 for 4, it was expected that they would put up a fight. But Kuldeep Yadav had other plans. He gave India their first breakthrough of the day by bowling Shai Hope (36) with a brilliant delivery in his very first over.
Then, the wickets began to fall. Kuldeep dismissed Tevin Imlach (21) and Justin Greaves (17) in quick succession. Kuldeep also wrapped up the West Indies innings by dismissing Jaden Seals his fifth wicket. With this performance, Kuldeep Yadav became the fastest left-arm wrist spinner to take five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja also supported him well with three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each took one wicket.
First Innings Scorecard:
- India: 518/5 declared (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129*)
- West Indies: 248/10 (Alick Athanase 41, Kuldeep Yadav 5/82, Ravindra Jadeja 3/46)
West Indies’ Poor Start in Second Innings as Well
Trailing by 270 runs West Indies forced to follow on appeared under pressure in the second innings as well. Mohammed Siraj provided India with the first breakthrough by dismissing Tejnarayan Chanderpaul (10) early. Washington Sundar then struck just before the close of play dismissing Alick Athanase (7) to give West Indies their second blow.
On the fourth day of the match the Indian bowlers will aim to secure another big win by taking the remaining eight wickets as quickly as possible while the West Indies face the threat of another innings defeat.
