KOHLI DOUBLE TON, ASHWIN CENTURY PUT INDIA IN CHARGE

North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda: Virat Kohli’s first doublecentury in any form of first-class cricket and Ravichandran Ashwin’s third Test century against the West Indies anchored India’s formidable first innings total of 566 for eight declared on the second day of the first Test on Friday.

Left to negotiate a testing hour before the close of play, the West Indies lost Rajendra Chandrika to a catch at the wicket off Mohammed Shami, leaving opening partner Kraigg Brathwaite and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo to resume on the third morning at 31 for one.

On another day of generally fruitless toil for the West Indies, Kohli extended his batting masterclass from the first day for another two hours, adding another 57 runs to reach exactly 200 just before the lunch interval.

He became the first Indian captain to score a Test double-century away from home.

Any expectation of more of the virtuoso performance was ended off the second delivery upon the resumption when he played on to the persevering and previously unlucky Shannon Gabriel.

Kohli’s innings spanned just over six hours and was embellished by 24 fours off 283 deliveries.

Dropped on 43 by new wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich off Gabriel in the morning session, Ashwin played the supporting role to his captain in a 168run fifth-wicket stand that drained the enthusiasm from the home side before lunch.

However demise put s quarely