Twitter Reactions: Bowlers keep India's hopes alive after West Indies' attempt of staging a comeback on Day 3 of second Test

Before closing the second day's play, West Indies found themselves at 86/1 as Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and Kirk McKenzie continued the proceedings on Day 3 after India posted 438 runs on board riding on Virat Kohli's special century and a fine knock by Rohit Sharma. West Indies’ start to the batting innings was decent as the openers put up a 71-run stand before Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s wicket.

West Indies’ top order batters started the proceedings on Day 3 and tried to build upon their innings, but debutant Mukesh Kumar struck to pick his maiden international wicket in the form of McKenzie. Skipper Brathwaite showcased composure on the field as he put up crucial partnerships with Tagenarine, McKenzie, and Jermaine Blackwood for the first, second, and third wickets respectively.

Before being dismissed by Indian veteran Ravichandran Ashwin, Brathwaite managed to score 75 runs off 235 deliveries at a strike rate of 31.91, which included five fours and a six. Blackwood and Alick Athanaze then carried the game forward, but the Indian bowlers kept the batters in check, thereby not allowing them from scoring big runs.

Blackwood was next to walk back to the pavilion as Ravindra Jadeja scalped his second wicket of the game. Ajinkya Rahane caught a brilliant catch at slip as the Indian all-rounder managed to dismiss the right-handed batter. Just a few overs before stumps were called, Mohammed Siraj managed to provide his side with yet another breakthrough as he dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva and Windies finished at 229/5.

While Jadeja has two wickets to his name, Mukesh Kumar, Ashwin, and Siraj have one scalp each to their name. The Windies batters kept the innings afloat as they managed to stitch partnerships wherever necessary, and remained at level terms with the Indian side. One big innings by a batter could help them reduce the gap, as they trail by 209.

Day 4 will be a challenge for both sides, as while Rohit Sharma and Co. will be aiming at taking the hosts down to maintain a healthy lead, the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side would be hoping to dominate with the bat.

Here's how Twitter reacted:

This pitch is the Internet Explorer of cricket pitches 🤦🏽 #Slow #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/XO1L2O9inI

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) 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

#wivind, #indvwi you need lot of patience even to watch the highlights.

— Dinesh G (@DineshG59325135) July 22, 2023

West Indies sole intent is not to lose this test match . Lifeless pitch has given them a chance . But matches like these are not going to save test cricket status . 143 from 67 overs is not enthralling cricket it’s a terrible watch #WIvIND

— John Wright (@johnwright15) 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

Alick Athanaze looks very comfortable in the West Indies middle order, certainly one for the future years of test cricket! 🏏 #WIvIND

— Kevin 🇬🇾 (@kevinlokenath) 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

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 @ Trails From Zero (@Hazamatoxin) July 22, 2023