West Indies batter Amir Jangoo expressed his delight after his outstanding first-innings performance in the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter, who was not part of the original playing XI, made the most of his opportunity after Shai Hope suffered an injury on the eve of the match.
Jangoo scored a stunning 233 in just his second Test match. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter played a marathon innings at No. 4, helping West Indies cross the 600-run mark in Antigua. The hosts eventually declared their first innings at 626/9, taking a commanding 318-run lead at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
We Have a Test Match to Win - Amir Jangoo After His Double Century
Amir Jangoo said that he was delighted after his record-breaking innings but added that West Indies still have an important Test match to win. The left-hander also explained the simple batting formula that helped him build his maiden double century.
"It was an amazing day, still words can't describe how I feel right now. But having said that, we have a Test match to win and I'm glad I could have contributed to putting the guys in a really good position along with the captain," Jangoo said.
"I think I have a formula in batting, especially in red-ball cricket, where I know that once I get to 20 runs, that means I bat close to 40 to 50 balls. Our batting coach, Floyd Reifer, mentioned it to me as well, how starts are so important. So I think I went around with that formula, and it worked," he added.
We All Know the Quality Player that He Is - Amir Jangoo Praises Roston Chase
Amir Jangoo said that he was happy to see captain Roston Chase return to form with the bat after a difficult run. The left-hander added that they share a close bond both on and off the field, making their record-breaking partnership even more special.
"We have a pretty close relationship on and off the field as well. We all know that he wasn't having the best time with the bat, but we all know the quality player that he is, and it's amazing to see that he could have come to the fore in this match," Jangoo said.
Jangoo and Chase added a record 401 runs for the sixth wicket, the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test history. They broke the previous record of 399 runs set by England's Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes against South Africa at Cape Town in 2016.
It Was a Herculean Effort" - Roston Chase Lauds Amir Jangoo
Amir Jangoo was not part of West Indies' original playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka. However, an injury to Shai Hope on the eve of the match gave the left-hander an unexpected opportunity, and he made the most of it with a double century.
"For a guy to be thinking that he's not going to play and then get that last-minute call, to be so focused and so switched on and so hungry to perform like that, I think he's a Herculean effort," Roston Chase told the host broadcaster.
Jangoo became only the third West Indies player after Brian Lara and Chris Gayle to score a double century in a Test against Sri Lanka.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 308 after captain Dhananjaya de Silva scored 120 and Dinesh Chandimal added a half-century. Justin Greaves was the pick of bowlers with figures of 3/39, while Shamar Joseph picked up two wickets before the hosts took control with the bat.
