West Indies vs Pakistan 2017, 2nd Test: Day 4, 5 talking points
A see-sawing day witnessed West Indies take control of the game for the majority of the day but a slew of wickets late in the day undid all the hard work. That said West Indies ascended to a lead of 183 by stumps on day 4 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, a sizeable one on a crumbling wicket.
Shai Hope was the architect of West Indies' fightback as he compiled a maiden half-century after 16 innings in the top order. His 90 and half-century stands with Kraigg Brathwaite and Vishaul Singh proved decisive for the Windies. However, Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah dismissed them in the final hour to finish with a six-wicket haul.
Earlier, Mohammad Abbas dismissed Shimron Hetmyer pretty early on day 4. But Hope and Brathwaite kept Windies going. It took a magic ball and an equally miraculous catch from Younis to send back the dogged Brathwaite. Hope continued to resist the bowlers till the final hour chaos.
Brief Scores: West Indies 312/10 and 264/9 (Hope 90, Brathwaite 43, Yasir Shah 6/90). Pakistan 393/10.
Here are the talking points from day 4 of the second Test.
#5 Brathwaite getting back to his old self
Kraigg Brathwaite has been the anchor of most of West Indies' Test innings in the last two years. The unfashionable opening batsman knows to play a dour game that is quite effective for a team which has the tendency to implode. Brathwaite was once again at it in Bridgetown.
Having resumed on 8 off 46 balls, Brathwaite continued to bore the bowlers with strong judgement outside his off-stump and a sound defence. When Hope joined him, Brathwaite played more positively and the partnership had Pakistan scratching their heads.
Yasir Shah was the man to eventually break the stand with a ripping leg-break that Brathwaite edged to Younis Khan at slip. However, the Brathwaite of old was visible in that 43 and that will relieve the Windies.