On the third day of the second Test match in Port-of-Spain, fans witnessed an intriguing battle between India and West Indies. Despite the rain-interrupted play, the West Indies showed remarkable resistance, ending the day at 229 for 5, inching closer to a potential draw against India’s total of 438.
Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies skipper, emerged as the linchpin of their fightback, showcasing immense determination as he stood firm against India’s bowling attack. Brathwaite’s resilient innings of 75 off 235 balls demonstrated his ability to anchor the innings and frustrate the opposition bowlers.
India’s bowlers, led by spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, toiled away relentlessly on a placid pitch but struggled to make significant inroads into the West Indies batting lineup. However, Ashwin’s perseverance eventually paid off as he brilliantly breached Brathwaite’s defenses with a masterful offbreak that sneaked through the gate.
Debutant Mukesh Kumar also contributed to India’s success by dismissing West Indies’ debutant Kirk McKenzie for a well-fought 32 runs before rain intervened, forcing an early lunch. Jadeja’s crafty bowling proved vital for India as he managed to break the resolute vigil of Jermaine Blackwood, extracting turn and bounce from a challenging angle. However, it was Ajinkya Rahane‘s exceptional reflexes at slip that stole the limelight during the morning session. Despite being partially blinded by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan‘s deflection, Rahane managed to snatch the ball with one hand, leaving spectators in awe of his sensational play.
As the day concluded, West Indies remained cautiously optimistic about salvaging a draw from the match, given their current position and the persistent weather interruptions. The hosts will look to Joshua Da Silva and the talented Emmanuel Stewart to continue the fight on the following day and potentially tilt the balance in their favor.
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the gripping day of Test cricket. Fans praised Brathwaite’s tenacity and Rahane’s acrobatics while also acknowledging the promise shown by the young talents on both sides. With two more days of intense cricket ahead, the Trinidad Test promises more drama, excitement, and captivating moments as the battle between the bat and ball continues to unfold.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 🎳
A stop-start day due to rain, but #TeamIndia picked up half the Windies side! 🌦️
Hoping Day 4⃣ swings the tide back our way! 🙌
📸: AP#PlayBold #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/NQzqTGge6v
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) July 23, 2023
The West Indies showed plenty of fight with the bat on the third day in Trinidad 🙌#WTC25 | 📝 #WIvIND: https://t.co/4hUd6BPlKw pic.twitter.com/rf0aOSGi4m
— ICC (@ICC) July 22, 2023
I don't understand, for whom are the West Indians playing??? How can a captain, on the second day, ask his team to go for a draw after being 1-0 down in the series?? Is this how Cricket should be played?? Why are they even playing? For whom or what?
— Yuviz (@rulesyuvi) July 22, 2023
This pitch is the Internet Explorer of cricket pitches 🤦🏽 #Slow #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/XO1L2O9inI
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 22, 2023
One of the worst days of Test cricket I have sat through. But West Indies have achieved what they wanted out this Day 3. Given the lifeless pitch, which has neither swing, seam, pace, turn, grip or bounce, it will be tough for India to push for a win now. #WIvIND
— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) July 22, 2023
Siraj getting the outswinger going well, let's see when the indipper comes.
Same with Mukesh, needs one to hold line to get the edge from AA.#WIvIND
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 22, 2023
Bruh West Indies batting going nowhere lmao, yeah this has to be some of the worst test matches I've seen in a long time. Shit fucking pitches and shit bowlers on both sides excluding Jadeja and Ashwin. I haven't seen a game this dead in like 3 years #WIvIND
— Nik – Ys Shiller (@Hazamatoxin) July 22, 2023
India's attack toiled away on a placid Port-of-Spain pitch, taking just four wickets on a rain-interrupted third day. In reply to India's 438, West Indies managed 229 for 5 at just over two runs an over at stumps, raising their hopes of a draw.#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/0IQxYQensu
— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) July 22, 2023
Let’s dismiss them quickly & cheaply in the morning session, then bat until an hour before close of play & have a go at winning the Test match. #WIvIND 🇮🇳🏝🏏 https://t.co/HzzxdCS3rl
— Akshay Vara (@ThatGuyAkshay) July 22, 2023
Alick Athanaze has faced 254* balls in 3 innings now, someone who doesn't seem to be getting out #WIvIND
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) July 22, 2023
