Kraigg Brathwaite has become the third-youngest West Indian to compile a Test double-century as the home side was on a dominating 407 for three at the close of a rain-shortened second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in St Vincent on Saturday.
On a day when a complete washout was in prospect after torrential overnight and morning showers left the ground waterlogged, Brathwaite took full advantage of the improved weather in the second half of the day to finish unbeaten on 205 after more than nine hours at the crease.
Noted for his dour, defensive style, the 21-year-old opening batsman benefited from the guidance of a player with enormous experience but noted for his manner of batsmanship.
In his 40th year and 21st as an international cricketer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul joined Brathwaite in a fourth-wicket partnership that has so far realised 146 runs, his contribution being an unbeaten 51.
With the weather remaining unsettled in St Vincent at the very heart of the rainy season in the Caribbean, it remains to be seen if the West Indies, who progressed at snail’s pace through the afternoon, will push on for quick runs on the third morning or declare the innings closed and seek to put the Bangladeshi batsmen under pressure on a pitch that remains ideal for batting.
Brathwaite’s swung a delivery from off-spinner Mahmudullah to the square-leg boundary to reach the coveted landmark with his 14th four just before the end of the day.
Only West Indian batting legends George Headley and Sir Garfield Sobers were younger when they scored their first double-centuries in Test cricket.
Chanderpaul survived a testing early period when play eventually started as fast-medium bowler Rubel Hossain caused him no end of worry.
Operating with the second new ball, Rubel came very close to trapping Chanderpaul LBW and then had a vociferous appeal for a catch at the wicket turned down by presiding umpire Marais Erasmus.
A review of the decision, as requested by Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, did not provide enough evidence to result in an overturning of the on-field verdict.
