Antigua: Virat Kohli cantered to his maiden double century in Tests as India cruised to 404 for 4 at lunch on day two of the series opener against the West Indies here on Friday.
Kohli (200* off 281 balls ), resuming at an overnight 143, reached the milestone at the stroke of lunch and was ably supported by Ravichandran Ashwin (64*).
The duo batted the entire session, extending their fifth wicket stand to 168 runs as the West Indies failed to pick up a wicket in 29 overs.
The double century was also first for Kohli at the First Class level with his previous highest being 197. India had started off the day at their overnight score of 302/4, with the two batsmen looking to bat as long as possible. And it was obvious from their watchful demeanour, as the West Indies had opted for the new ball straightaway.
Shannon Gabriel (1-56) and Jason Holder (0-83) then started off the proceedings, as on day one, but the pitch seemed to have eased out considerably as compared to the first morning.
Gabriel though was still impressive, and worked up his pace every over. He troubled Ashwin and got him driving, inducing a couple edges that fell short of the slip cordon. Then he induced another edge in the 98th over of the innings – and the 8th of the morning – only for keeper Shane Dowrich to put down a regulation chance. Ashwin was on 43* at that time.
Meanwhile, Kohli continued his march without any discomfort at all. First up, he crossed the 150-mark off 208 balls as the 100-partnership came up in the 96th over. Then he went past his previous Test highest score of 169 scored against Australia at the MCG in December 2014.
