ST KITTS, Jul 9: India’s opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan (51) and KL Rahul (50) provided a solid platform as India reached 108 for no loss in 35 overs, half an hour after lunch on the first day of the two-day opening warm-up fixture against West Indies Board Presidents’ XI.
Left-handed Dhawan looked compact as his 50 came off 88 balls with seven boundaries while Rahul looked equally comfortable during his half-century that took him 99 balls with five fours and six.
While Dhawan retired when India reached 93 for no loss at lunch, Rahul came out hit the first six off the innings and then with a single completed his milestone before being asked to comeback.
When last information was received, skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara were batting on 0 and 1 respectively.
None of the West Indian bowlers could trouble the Indian batsmen during the 28 overs in the first session after skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat having won the toss.
The rules allow 12 players to play while 11 could field. India decided to rest off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and opener Murali Vijay, both believed to be first team regulars.
India started cautiously in the beginning even though Rahul hit a lovely square cut whoile Dhawan also played some nice looking strokes on the off-side.
On a slow Warner Park wicket, the right-arm pacers Marquino Mindley and Jason Dawes couldn’t create much of an impact although the Indians did not take any undue risks.
In fact in the first 50 runs that came off 120 balls, there were only five boundaries in it.
However the moment spinners came in operation, the Indian batsmen showed more intent in scoring runs. The footwork was assured. Rahul infact swept a leg-break from Damion Jacobs from outside the off-stump.
Dhawan also employed the paddle shot whenever left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who has played four Test matches, dropped anything on the leg and middle line.
In fact the shot of the morning was a drive from Dhawan back past Warrican.
Brief Scores: India (in 35 overs) 108/0 in 35 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 51 retd, Lokesh Rahul 50 retd). (PTI)
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