IND vs WI 2nd Test Day 4 Live Score | Campbell’s Century Stalls India

By Mr Vishal Ojha

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So, West Indies is putting up a fight, huh? After India’s dominating performance, especially Jaiswal’s epic knock (more on that here ), it looked like the second Test was heading for a quick finish. But then, Kirk McKenzie and Joshua Da Silva happened, and now, Campbell’s century on Day 4 has thrown a proper spanner in the works. Let’s be honest, it’s not just about the runs; it’s about the why behind this resurgence. What’s changed? What does this mean for India’s strategy? And more importantly, can India still pull this off?

The ‘Why’ Behind the West Indies Fightback

The 'Why' Behind the West Indies Fightback
Source: India vs West Indies

Here’s the thing: cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. After being hammered in the first Test and facing a similar situation in the second, the West Indies team had a choice. Crumble, or fight. What fascinates me is that they chose the latter. Credit goes to their batsmen, especially Campbell’s exceptional innings, who decided to change the narrative. But why now? I think it’s a combination of factors. Firstly, the pressure is off. Everyone expected them to lose, so they’re playing with a freedom we didn’t see earlier. Secondly, the pitch has flattened out, making it easier to bat. And thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, they’ve identified India’s bowling weaknesses and are exploiting them. The West Indies batting resilience on Day 4 was truly something to behold.

We saw how the India vs West Indies series has unfolded till now. Now, let’s delve deeper into it.

India’s Response | Time for a Tactical Shift?

India, without Bumrah this series, has relied heavily on Siraj and the spinners. While they’ve had success, Campbell’s century exposed some vulnerabilities. What I initially thought was straightforward – keep bowling line and length – clearly isn’t working. A common mistake I see captains make is sticking to a plan even when it’s failing. So, what’s the solution? I think it’s time for Rohit Sharma to get creative. Maybe try some short-pitched bowling to unsettle the batsmen. Perhaps introduce some part-time bowlers to change the pace. Or even set some funky fields to create doubt in the batsmen’s minds. The key is to disrupt their rhythm and force them to make mistakes. Otherwise, this match could slip away. India’s bowling strategy needs an urgent review.

Key Moments and Turning Points on Day 4

Day 4 wasn’t just about Campbell’s century. There were several mini-battles within the larger war that swung the momentum back and forth. One such moment was the dismissal of McKenzie just when he was looking dangerous. That gave India a glimmer of hope. But then Campbell and Da Silva rebuilt the innings, blunting India’s attack. The crucial partnerships were vital for West Indies. What fascinates me is how these small moments, seemingly insignificant at the time, can have a huge impact on the overall outcome of the match. It is these test cricket turning points which defines a good team and helps to build the pressure.

The Road Ahead | Can India Still Win?

Let’s be clear: West Indies are still behind. But they’ve shown they’re not going to go down without a fight. India needs to bowl them out quickly on Day 5 and then bat with intent. The pitch is still good for batting, so a target of around 250-300 should be chaseable. But here’s the thing – and this is where the pressure really kicks in – India can’t afford to take it easy. One bad session, one loose partnership, and the game could be gone. What India needs now is a champion performance, both with the ball and the bat. This is where the experience of players like Kohli and Rohit will be crucial. A strong start to Day 5 will build the pressure on India and lead to favorable results.

India vs West Indies | A Series of Ups and Downs

This series has been a rollercoaster, hasn’t it? From India’s dominant performance in the first Test to West Indies’ fightback in the second, it’s been a great advertisement for Test cricket. What’s particularly interesting is the contrast in styles. India, with its aggressive batting and varied bowling attack, versus West Indies, with its resilience and determination. This series is a good reflection of evolving test cricket dynamics across the globe. And, what I’ve realised is that there is no single recipe for success. It’s about adapting to the conditions, playing to your strengths, and never giving up. And that’s a lesson that applies not just to cricket, but to life as well. The future of test cricket looks bright with such contest.

FAQ

What if India loses early wickets on Day 5?

That would put immense pressure on the middle order. The key would be to rebuild patiently and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

How important is the first session on Day 5?

Extremely important. If India can pick up a couple of early wickets, they’ll be right back in the game.

What is Campbell’s highest Test score?

This century could well be his highest, but you’d need to check the records to confirm.

Will rain play a factor on Day 5?

The weather forecast will need to be monitored closely. Rain could definitely disrupt play and potentially save West Indies.

What are the key match predictions for day 5?

Match prediction depends on how the team start their day 5. Prediction can be made once the first session of day 5 ends.

So, there you have it. Campbell’s century has definitely stalled India, but the game is far from over. Day 5 promises to be a nail-biter, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds. And that – that is the beauty of test cricket.

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