Kohli ton propels India on day one against Windies

Antigua, July 22 (ANI): Test skipper Virat Kohli led from the front by smashing his 12th century as India posted a commanding 302 for four at stumps on day one of the opening match against the West Indies here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday. Opting to bat first, India were troubled by a disciplined West Indies bowling unit early in the innings, leaving the tourists in a spot of bother at 74 for two in 27.4 overs. Murali Vijay and Chesteshwar Pujara fell cheaply on seven and 16 respectively with Shikhar Dhawan struggling against the short ball early on. However, Dhawan collaborated with Kohli as the duo engineered a 105-run stand for the third wicket to solidify the total. The left-hander was dismissed for 84 by spinner Devandra Bishoo just before tea. The Indian skipper then consolidated the innings by adding a 57-run stand with an enterprising Ajinkya Rahane, who was dismissed for 22 on a shrewd Bishoo's delivery. Spin specialist Ravichandran Ashwin was then asked to bat at No.6 ahead of wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and the result was an unbeaten stand of 66 at the end of the day's play. Kohli made a sparkling 143 not out and in the process crossed the milestone of 3000 Test runs while Ashwin will aim to add more to his overnight score of 22 on day two. (ANI)