Cricket fans go nuts over 140kg Windies giant's Test debut
The world of cricket has a new cult hero after giant West Indies off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall set a new record in his Test debut against India.
The 6-foot-six, 140kg giant was handed his first international Test cap during the second match against the Indians in Kingston.
In doing so, Cornwall set a new benchmark as the heaviest man to have played in a Test match.
The imposing spinner made a promising start to his career too, taking the early wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara and claiming two catches off Jason Holder's bowling.
He bowled 27 overs at a cost of 69 runs on a day when West Indies leant heavily on spin - having elected to bowl first.
Viewers were absolutely loving what they were seeing from the big man, who quickly became somewhat of an internet sensation.
26 years old 6.6" Tall and 140 KG weighted Rahkeem Cornwall becomes the heaviest player ever to play International Cricket, Dwayne Leverock would be second to him I guess #WIvIND #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/2xprgZ0rQN
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) August 30, 2019
Great to see Windies picking Rahkeem Cornwall for #WIvIND. Test cricket is most certainly a sport for any shape or size, if you're good enough. We've had many incredible players who were a bit larger.
Bring out your inner Romesh Powar/David Boon/Arjuna Ranatunga/WG Grace— Jack Mendel 🏏🗞️ (@Mendelpol) August 30, 2019
This off spinner Rahkeem Cornwall on test debut for @windiescricket is a bit of a unit! #WIvsIND pic.twitter.com/QbnbVXeVF4
— 🙄 (@_otherideas) August 30, 2019
Rahkeem Cornwall – at 140 kg –becomes the heaviest Test cricketer ever, beating Australia’s Warwick Armstrong who weighed 133-139 kg.#WIvIND #INDvsWI
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 30, 2019
Lunch on day one of the second Test between West Indies and India!
India going into the interval 72/2, with Mayank Agarwal and Virat Kohli at the crease.
Earlier debutant Rahkeem Cornwall took his first Test wicket 👏 pic.twitter.com/tc7kqzNaiR— ICC (@ICC) August 30, 2019
Rahkeem Cornwall who is making his test debut today
Is heaviest test cricketer ever, weighs 140 KG
W Armstrong held previous record with 135 KG pic.twitter.com/gn4VFvLSny— 🔥ᴄʀᴀᴢʏ ᴍᴀɴ👌 (@niranjancricket) August 30, 2019
Rahkeem Cornwall bowling his first overs in test cricket for the West Indies. Standing at 6’6”, 140 kg, bowling right-arm off breaks. pic.twitter.com/DIK3JmE6Wm
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) August 30, 2019
Tourists hit back after worrying start
India recovered from a shaky start in Jamaica to establish control against West Indies - thanks in no small part to captain Virat Kohli.
Coming in at 46-2, Kohli helped to stabilise the India innings as he and opener Mayank Agarwal put on a crucial 69-run partnership for the third wicket.
Kohli went on to make 76 and Agarwal contributed 55 as India patiently amassed 264-5 by stumps.
The India skipper became the third of West Indies counterpart Jason Holder's three wickets when he finally departed, edging behind to debutant wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton, leaving the tourists on 202-5.
At that stage, the day could have still swung West Indies' way.
However, Hanuma Vihari (42 not out) and Rishabh Pant (27no) saw India safely to the close of play without any further damage.
Kemar Roach picked up the other wicket to fall on Friday – the paceman had Ajinkya Rahane (24) caught behind by Hamilton, who stepped into the home XI to replace the injured Shai Hope behind the stumps.
India lead the two-match series 1-0 after a 318-run victory in the first Test at North Sound, Antigua.
With agencies