Shane Dowrich (left) and Jason Holder aided the West Indies with a much-needed 90-run partnership

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich and captain Jason Holder rescued their side with a 90-run partnership after Sri Lanka left them in a spot of bother early on in Trinidad.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, the West Indies made an awful start to their innings as opener Kraigg Brathwaite was caught behind off the bowling of Suranga Lakmal for three runs.

Devon Smith, playing in his first Test since April 2015, and Kieran Powell managed to add 36 runs to the score before Smith was run out by Lahiru Kumara for seven.

Powell and Shai Hope temporarily kept Sri Lanka at bay with a 40-run partnership before Powell was clean bowled by Kumara for 38.

Hope and Roston Chase kept the runs flowing with a 54-run stand before Hope was caught behind off the bowling of Kumara for 44.

Chase went on to make 38 before he was caught by Angelo Mathews at slip off the bowling of Rangana Herath.

With the West Indies struggling at 147/5, Dowrich and Holder dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes of getting a few more quick wickets as they amassed a 90-run partnership.

Both Dowrich and Holder were on track to bring up half-centuries, but just 10 overs before the end of the day, Holder was caught behind off the bowling of Kumara for 40.

Lahiru Kumara dismissed Kieran Powell, Shai Hope and Jason Holder

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Dowrich and Devendra Bishoo ensured the West Indies didn’t lose any more wickets before stumps was called as they forged an unbeaten nine-run stand.

Dowrich finished on 46 off 133 balls, which included five boundaries, while Bishoo has yet to get off the mark.

Kumara was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Lakmal and Herath chipped in with one wicket apiece.

The West Indies ended day one on 246/6 and will continue batting on Thursday at 10:00 local time or 14:00 GMT.