cricket

Updated: Aug 31, 2019 06:16 IST

West Indies legend Vivian Richards fell ill while he was on air doing a pre-game analysis on the eve of the second World Championship Test between India and West Indies on Friday. The former batsman, who is part of the commentary panel along with pre and post-match analysis on official broadcasters Sony was doing a pre-match show when he complained of uneasiness.

Also Read: Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal slam fifties as India reach 264/5 on Day 1

While a stretcher was brought, Richards left the ground with the help of two volunteers, according to a post that went viral on Twitter. According to news agency PTI, the 67-year-old suffered from dehaydration due to excessive humid conditions in Jamaica. He was taken up to the hospital for a precautionary check-up.

The former cricketer, later returned to the the commentary box after reportedly getting medical attention in the West Indies dressing room. “To all the fans around the world, I want to say I have recovered. I am OK and I have returned (to do commentary),” he said on air.”No bowler in the world could do it to me, that was done by nature (meaning heat). We have to respect nature,” he added.

Viv Richards Falls Sick During The Pre-Game Show Ahead Of The Second Test Between India And West Indies https://t.co/6J3PDL9URG pic.twitter.com/eaNwrsWJn9 — Highlightstore (@Highlightstore1) August 30, 2019

Captain Virat Kohli’s fighting 76 and opener Mayank Agarwal’s half century helped India reach 264 for 5 on Day 1 to take a slight edge over the West Indies in their World Test Championships second match here. Put into bat on a tricky Sabina Park pitch, India were reduced to 46 for 2 in the opening session but Kohli and Agarwal (55) work hard to rebuild the innings with a 69-run stand for the third wicket.

Also Read: Windies’ ‘mountain man’ Cornwall creates unique record on Test debut

Kohli then had another 49-run partnership with first Test centurion Ajinkya Rahane (24) from 19 overs for the fourth wicket as India picked up the scoring rate in the second session which saw 85 runs being added from 29 overs.

But the two big wickets -- that of Kohli and Rahane -- in the final session put the brakes on India just when the visiting team was beginning to consolidate and push to a position of strength. Kohli faced 163 deliveries from which he hit 10 boundaries.

At the draw of stumps, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari were batting on 27 and 42 respectively, having stitched 62 runs from 17.5 overs for the unfinished sixth wicket. A lot will depend on the duo whether India can post a big total on the second day or not.

((With agency inputs))