(CMC) – Jermaine Blackwood struck his second half-century of the game while Roston Chase carved out his maiden one in Tests, as West Indies took a giant leap towards saving the second Test against India here today.
At lunch on the final day, the hosts were 215 for five in their second innings – only 89 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat and making India bat again.
They were propelled by Chase who was unbeaten at the break on a positive 70 while Blackwood started the early fightback with an aggressive 63.
Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich joined in following Blackwood’s dismissal and was unbeaten on 33.
Seamer Mohammed Shami has been the leading bowler with two for 53.
Resuming the day tottering on 48 for four, Blackwood led the way for the Windies as he immediately put the Indian bowlers on the backfoot with an innings which required just 54 balls and included nine fours and two sixes.
Along the way, he put on a crucial 93 for the fifth wicket with Chase which ensured West Indies dominated the first hour.
When he fell to a catch at forward short leg by Cheteshwar Pujara off off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, Chase took up the mantle and has so far put on a further 74 in an unbroken sixth wicket partnership with Dowrich.
The right-handed Chase has faced 122 deliveries and struck nine fours and a six while Dowrich has counted two fours in his 59-ball knock.
Most of Tuesday’s penultimate day was lost to rain due to the passing of a strong tropical wave.
