Jangoo leads West Indies’ fighting reply to Sri Lanka’s 308

A gritty, unbeaten half-century from Amir Jangoo and a stabilising partnership with Roston Chase guided West Indies into a comfortable position on a fluctuating day of Test cricket in Antigua, leaving them trailing Sri Lanka’s first-innings total by just 37 runs.

At the close of play, West Indies had reached 271 for 5, answering Sri Lanka’s 308 all out with immense application and poise.

The West Indies’ top order laid a solid foundation. John Campbell looked sharp during his 39, while Brandon King chipped in with a brisk 31, but Sri Lanka’s seamers struck back to keep the contest finely balanced.

Asitha Fernando was a constant menace, extracting life from the surface to finish the day with figures of 2 for 25, while Milan Rathnayaka also claimed two crucial breakthroughs to reduce the hosts to a precarious position in the afternoon.

Just as Sri Lanka threatened to rip through the middle order, Jangoo and Chase stepped up with a mature, counter-attacking display. Jangoo played the anchor role to perfection, mixing stubborn defence with authoritative boundary-striking to remain unbeaten on 78.

Chase proved to be the ideal partner, showing his experience with a calm 42 not out as the pair put together an unbroken stand that blunted the Sri Lankan spin and seam options alike.

With five wickets still in hand and only 37 runs behind, West Indies will look to secure a significant first-innings lead on the following morning, while Sri Lanka will desperately need early breakthroughs with the relatively fresh ball.

Day one had belonged to Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, who compiled a magnificent 120 to anchor the visitors’ innings. Resuming alongside Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed a fluent 54, and receiving valuable lower-order support from Sonal Dinusha (43), Dhananjaya looked composed against a diverse West Indian attack.

However, the home side kept chipping away, spearheaded by an impressive spell from Justin Greaves. Greaves was the pick of the bowlers, capturing 3 for 39 with disciplined lines, while the veteran Kemar Roach provided excellent control to finish with 2 for 32.

Alzarri and Shamar Joseph also chimed in with two wickets apiece to ensure Sri Lanka did not completely run away with the game, bowling them out for 308 in 71.5 overs.