Saha, resuming on 46, took his total to 104 before being caught by Shane Dowrich off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph, while Ashwin, who began the day on 75, was eventually dismissed by Miguel Cummins after making 118.

The duo’s impressive 213-run stand steadied the ship for the tourists and guided them to a decent target of 353 all out before the hosts made 107 for the loss of one wicket in reply at stumps.

After ripping through the away side’s top order on day one to leave India struggling on 126 for five, the Windies’ attack was forced to wait 72.2 overs for a sixth wicket.

Saha, whose ton included 13 fours, edged a full ball from Joseph through to Dowrich and the lengthy partnership was broken.

Following Saha’s dismissal, India added just 14 more runs before being bowled out. Cummins took three of the final four wickets, including Ashwin whose attempt to fend off a short ball saw him caught by Jermaine Blackwood at backward point.

Kraigg Brathwaite then struck a half-century as the hosts made a solid start to their first innings. The opening batsman will resume on 53 not out on Thursday, alongside Darren Bravo (18no).

Leon Johnson was the only wicket to fall for the Windies after a misjudgement allowed Lokesh Rahul to run him out for 23.

Ashwin’s delivery was worked to the right of short midwicket by Johnson and Rahul reacted swiftly to swoop on the ball and nail a direct hit at the non-striker’s end.