Gritty Roston Chase helps Windies secure spirited draw against India

Kingston, Aug 4 (ANI): Roston Chase stole the limelight in the second Test, scoring a maiden century to help West Indies pull off a sensational draw against India on the final day at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Battling to avoid another ignominious innings defeat in the four-match series and facing a 256-run deficit before heading into the final day, a beleaguered West Indies produced a determined effort as they lost only two wickets while batting for 88.1 overs. This gritty display was in stark contrast to the rain-truncated fourth day's play where the hosts lost four wickets in 15.5 overs. Chase, playing only his second Test match, remained unbeaten on 137 off 269 balls and in the process stitched three match-saving partnerships with Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich and captain Jason Holder. Earlier in the day, Blackwood led the West Indies solid resistance with an attacking 63 off 52 balls while striking a sparking 93-run alliance with Chase for the fifth wicket. However, Blackwood once again fell prey to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's shrewd delivery for a second time in the match. Chase, who bagged a five-wicket haul in India's massive first innings total of 500-9 declared, then looked both assured and industrious in his knock and received an able support from Dowrich as the duo engineered a 144-run stand for the sixth wicket. India's hopes of taking a 2-0 lead were briefly raised when Dowrich became a victim of an umpiring error and was dismissed on 74 off Ashwin delivery. However, Holder (64 not out) then joined Chase and in the process weaved an unbeaten 103-run stand for the seventh wicket while fending off Indian bowlers' every possible attack. For Indians, Mohammed Shami and Amit Mishra bagged two wickets each while Ashwin and Ishant Sharma claimed one wicket apiece. Despite the draw, India are leading the four-match series 1-0 and will play the third Test on August 9 at Gros Islet. (ANI)