Twitter Reactions: Jason Holder's five-wicket haul skittles Sri Lanka for 169

Lahiru Thirimanne resisted well to score 70 runs but he didn't get any support from the other end.

By Tanvir Sahni

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Jason Holder
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Jason Holder. (Photo Source: Twitter)

It was time for the start of a new era in Test cricket for the West Indies. The leadership, ahead of the Sri Lanka series, was been handed over to Kraigg Brathwaite who was ready to take over the mantle from his former skipper Jason Holder. And his captaincy started on a positive note as he won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Kemar Roach opened the bowling for the Caribbean side. He bowled some good lines and lengths and did not give away any free runs. The Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed by Rahkeem Cornwall after he had done all the hard work in the initial overs. One led to another and the Asian side was soon reeling at a score of 92-5.

However, Lahiru Thirimanne and Niroshan Dickwella combined to form a 58-run partnership. Thirimanne was the top-scorer of the innings as he finished with a score of 70 runs in the 180 balls he faced. Dickwella too looked in fine form before being dismissed for 32 runs. This was the only partnership of substance in the Lankan innings.

Jason Holder steals the show on Day 1

When Dickwella’s wicket fell, the scoreboard read 150-6. The Sri Lankan side would have hoped for an addition of a few more runs to post a competitive total. However, a massive collapse meant that the side was bowled out for only 169 runs. The West Indian side had bowled well but the batting could have been way better than what it was.

It seemed like being relieved of the captaincy duties did wonders for Jason Holder. He secured a fifer and reminded the world that his skills with the ball should not be doubted. Apart from him, Kemar Roach too did well with the ball. He secured three wickets in the 16 overs that he bowled.

A score of 169 would not have pleased the Lankan side. They would have hoped to get some early wickets to make a comeback on a day which had largely been owned by the Caribbean side. However, this too did not happen. The West Indian openers played cautiously and made sure that no wicket was lost. They ended Day 1 with a score of 13-0 at the end of 13 overs. While Day 1 was forgettable for the visitors, Sri Lanka would look to make a strong comeback on Day 2.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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West IndiesSri Lanka