On the third day of the second and final Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, rain interruptions and a turgid display of cricket saw the West Indies reaching 229 for five in response to India’s first innings total of 438 by stumps.

The match progress, spanning 65 overs and hampered by seasonal showers, lacked excitement as the home side prioritized survival over entertainment, aiming to avoid a repeat of their capitulation in the first Test.

Leading from the front, Kraigg Brathwaite’s innings of 75 embodied the team’s determined, though unattractive, approach following their three-day humiliation in Dominica the previous week. Spending nearly five hours at the crease and facing 235 deliveries, Brathwaite struck five fours and one six before being dismissed by familiar adversary, Ravichandran Ashwin, who bowled him between bat and pad.

Starting the day alongside debutant Kirk McKenzie at 86 for one, the West Indies progressed steadily until McKenzie’s unfortunate waft at a wide delivery from fellow debutant Mukesh Kumar led to his dismissal, giving the newcomer his first Test wicket.

India, keen for breakthroughs, found success immediately after tea when the usually attacking Jermaine Blackwood fell to a splendid catch by Ajinkya Rahane at slip off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Blackwood’s innings of 20 spanned 92 deliveries.

With only one wicket falling in each of the first two sessions, India continued to press hard for more success after tea. Their efforts paid off when Mohammed Siraj uprooted Joshua da Silva’s middle stump, securing his first wicket of the innings with the West Indies at 208 for five.

However, former captain Jason Holder provided stability and support to Alick Athanaze (37 not out) as the young left-hander navigated a challenging period against the second new ball, guiding the West Indies’ effort into the fourth morning.

Reflecting on the day’s play, Athanaze acknowledged the quality of India’s bowling, stating, “The batting conditions may not have been as tough as in Dominica but given the quality of bowling that they have, they still made life difficult for us. It was tricky at the end of the day against the new ball but we were able to hold on. It’s no secret that we are trying to rebuild, and it’s all about enjoying the challenge that we face.”