West Indian batsman Shai Hope scored his first Test hundred in over eight years, during his side’s second Test against India in New Delhi on Monday.
This was Hope’s third Test hundred, the first two having come against England in the same match at Leeds in 2017. Hope was eventually dismissed for 103, bowled by Mohammed Siraj.
The 31-year-old’s effort came with the West Indies following on against India. Hope put on a 177-run partnership for the third wicket with opener John Campbell, who smashed a hundred as well.
This is the first time in 14 years that two West Indian batters have scored centuries in a Test innings against India. The partnership between Hope and Campbell helped the visitor stave off an innings defeat. John Campbell especially, broke a 20-year drought, scoring his first century against India as an opener.
But significantly, legendary batsman Brian Lara still made it a point to visit the visitors’ dressing room after the second day’s play in the second Test. The 56-year-old Lara is in New Delhi alongside another legend, Sir Vivian Richards, as a part of the ‘Mission India’ campaign as they are trying to help the cash-strapped Cricket West Indies get some extra funds, which will help them revive the dilapidated structure of their long-form game.
Lara was in the West Indies dressing room after the end of the day’s play. He did not make any general address to the players but spoke (separately) to coach Darren Sammy and captain Roston Chase, and a couple of players, as reported by PTI.
