Kohli going strong

Devendra Bishoo snared wickets at both ends of the afternoon session but India progressed to 179 for three at tea on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday.

Despite the leg-spinner's success, Shikhar Dhawan's determined innings of 84 and an aggressive unbeaten 64 from captain Virat Kohli dominated play after lunch.

Kohli also passed 3,000 runs in Test cricket in the process.

The pair put on 105 for the third wicket at almost a run-a-minute before the opening batsman was adjudged lbw attempting a sweep at Bishoo in what proved to be the last delivery before the interval.

The leg-spinner induced a false shot from Cheteshwar Pujara when called into action for the first over after lunch.

The phlegmatic batsman played a shot totally out of character when a miscued pull sliced a catch to Kraigg Brathwaite at backward point.

That brought in the Indian skipper, who dominated the partnership and was always looking to put an inexperienced and limited bowling attack under pressure.

In contrast, the usually destructive Dhawan was content to play the supporting role.

The left-handed opening batsman displayed admirable restraint against bowling that lacked any real pace and potency, with the notable exception of Shannon Gabriel, who caused alarms for the Indian opening pair and removed Murali Vijay for just seven when the right-hander fended at a lifting delivery for Brathwaite to take the catch at the second attempt at second slip.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: First innings 179 for 3 (Dhawan 84, Kohli 65 not out; Bishoo 2-47, Gabriel 1-29)