West Indies has managed to register a mammoth first innings total in the third and final test match against India in Mumbai. On day 2 at stumps, West Indies were at 575 for the loss of 9 wickets. A declaration may be expected anytime.
Mumbai's Wankhede pitch did not assist either spinners nor fast bowlers on the second day. Though Ashwin managed to bag four and debutant Varun Aron scalped three wickets, there was nothing much to cheer for Indian players as West Indies put on enough runs to keep another defeat at bay and draw the match at least if they can't topple the Indian line-up.
West Indies started day 2 on Wednsday at 267/2 and continued their batting dominance. Darren Bravo and Edwards, who resumed batting at start of day, protected their wickets well. Edwards was the first to go at 86, when Ishant Sharma took his wicket. Powell who joined Bravo soon showed some bold batting skills at the crease. Bravo got out for 166, and it was a memorable first wicket in test for debutant Varon Aaron. Powell scored 81 and Samuels 61. West Indies' six top order batsmen managed half centuries, which was highlight of the day.
575 is the second highest runs scored by West Indies at the Wankhede. In 1975 West Indies scored 604 for 6. R Ashwin's four-wicket haul earned him a rare feat. He became the first Indian bowler to bag the highest number of wickets (17) in debut series. In 1980-81 Ravi Shastri took 15 wickets in his debut against New Zealand, and Venkatesh Prasad bagged 15 in his debut against England in 1996.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni took five catches in the innings, for the fifth time in his career, becoming the first Indian cricketer to do so.