Quick strikes dent West Indies before storm.
Only 15.5 overs were bowled during the morning session that lasted three and a half hours, but there was still enough time to find heroes in Jamaica. Mohammad Shami struck twice late in the session to leave the home side reeling, while Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra took one wicket each. But the true heroes were the groundsmen.
Tropical wave Earl had finally arrived at Jamaica, and true to its name, wave after wave of rain hit Sabina Park on Tuesday (August 2). The were enough stoppages in the session's play to warrant the West Indies media manager to sit back in the press box and play Bob Marley songs aloud. 'Every little thing is gonna be alright,' he promised. We hoped.
But the heroes, were the ground staff. They were called into action multiple times in the morning and just after noon. They had to battle really strong winds, and sudden bursts of sharp rain to ensure they kept the pitch covered and dry enough to straight away resume play when rain stopped.