In between a rain truncated test match, where West Indies bowlers gave early problems to the Indian top order, Ravichandran Ashwin – Wriddhiman Saha partnership was a breath of fresh air. They joined hands with India in a spot of bother at 126 for 5 on day 1. And a 213 run partnership between them helped India comeback to the shore. With only the final day’s play remaining India look in a much dominating position courtesy these two.

Ashwin scoring hundreds against West Indies now seems a familiar sight. Wriddhiman Saha getting his debut test ton was special, more so due under the circumstances. Gutsy the player that he is , Saha stood his ground during the hard times of his innings with the West Indies bowlers coming fast at him. One more wicket at that point could well have spelled trouble for India but the Saha and Ashwin ensured India’s safety.

Saha made his debut for India in 2009 and has been patient for seven years for his day to arrive. The knock was all the more satisfying because of the timing of the innings and its impact on the outcome of the match.

Wriddhiman Saha scores debut test ton to help country

Saha scored a couple of 40’s in the series so far and a big knock was expected round the corner. This makes his tour to the West Indies more memorable, having saved the team from the blushes. The pair grafted, copped blows, counter-attacked, survived and eventually put their team on top.

Ashwin made full use of his promotion up the order and Saha stood still at the other end. India’s number 6 and 7 have more to offer than what was earlier thought. Also this in a lot of way eases the burden of scoring runs from the top order. Saha making big on his chance is a certain sigh of relief for the captain Virat Kohli who has continued to trust on the potential of the Bengal man.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar stuns on return

The return of Bhuveshwar Kumar in the Indian team was another pleasing sight. Having played his last test in January this year, his performance in the IPL promoted his selection into the team. And, he has made the most of this opportunity. His five for helped India bundle out West Indies for just over 200 ushering the possibility of a win from the stranglehold of defeat. He used his swing ability to perfection in order to dismiss the Caribbean batting line-up which lacks in experience. 

For the moment though, its time to  cherish the knock of this gutsy Indian wicket keeper batsmen Wriddhiman Saha. Not to forget Bhuvi’s return to the side with a performance which has constructed the possibility of an Indian win.

These performances are mostly positive for the team and the lower middle order is certain to come in handy in upcoming tours.

Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times