Internet Desk: The first warm up match of India on the soil of West Indies started in a quiet manner. Two openers along with Rohit Sharma hit half-centuries. However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli could not excel on the first day of the warm-up tie.
The two-day warm up match of Indian team ahead of test series against West Indies began on Saturday against West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI in Basseterre. Indian team might be happy with the start of their two openers, Shikhar Dhawan and K. L. Rahul. Both scored half centuries each to give a steady start for the team. The two openers did not in hurry at all to score the runs. Both Shikhar (51)and Rahul (50) got themselves retired out after reaching their respective half-centuries.
Kohli was the next to come but could not score a big knock as he was caught behind for 14. The captain’s knock might keep the team in worry. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane too did not look settled at all as he could manage only 5 runs in his tally. However, Cheteshwar Pujara was looking better coming at the first down. He was playing with enough patience before getting retired out on 34. Indian wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha also could not excel against the WICB president’s XI. He got out on 22.
Rohit Sharma was looking steady on the crease with his unbeaten 54. He looked patient hitting eight boundaries and a six. He was getting good assistance from leggie Amit Mishra. Mishra was standing on 18 with one boundary.
Among the bowlers of WICB President’s XI J. A. Warrican showed consistency in his bowling. He took two wickets among the three. However, Basseterre being a batting wicket did not have enough help for the bowlers. Now it is to watch what the bowlers of India can do on this good batting wicket. Indian bowlers will look to use the conditions as much as they can by picking up quick wickets on the final day.