India vs West Indies, 4th Test, Day 4, Preview: Match heading for draw

India’s run to register their third win against West Indies is seemingly leading to the path of draw as rains continue to loom the final Test at the Queen’s Park Oval on Day Three. No play has been possible since Thursday when the West Indies reached 62 for 2 before lunch after electing to bat. Since then, heavy rains have left the ground completely saturated. With the persistent rains, India will lose their dream of sealing the No. 1 spot and their arch rivals Pakistan will land at top spot for the first time. Pakistan drew the series against England by 2-2 while Australia were whitewashed by Sri Lanka losing their No. 1 rank. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs West Indies, 4th Test match

As for West Indies innings on Thursday, it was once again a poor show from the hosts. Leon Johnson, who top scored during the tour matches, was dismissed for 9 Ishant Sharma had the West Indian opener caught by Rohit Sharma in the 12th over of the game. West Indies only hope in the top-order Darren Bravo proved to be disappointment once again as he became victim to Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin. Now with Marlon Samuels and Kraigg Brathwaite on the playing at 4 and 32 respectively, West Indies will only hope to build upon a strong partnership based on these batsmen. Full Cricket Updates: India vs West Indies, 4th Test match

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West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first. Both the teams had made few changes to their side. Devendra Bishoo came back replacing the fast bowler and debutant Alzarri Joseph. While India made drastic changes to their side. Captain Virat Kohli brought in injured Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara resting Shikhar Dhawan, who has been in poor form in this series barring his innings of 84. ALSO READ: Rain, poor outfield conditions forces play to be called off again

For the first time in the series, the tourists have opted for only four specialist bowlers, omitting left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. India have still not zeroed in on a playing XI which can play across conditions and venues, and thus, this kind of experimentation is valid. The team is rather confused as they look unsure on how to use the talent that is at their disposal.

With rains threatening to have a say in the outcome of this Test, the Indian cricket team will have to step up and utilise every single minute that they get on the field.  The rains have been predicted for all the five days which means India need to bring in their best against West Indies.

Brief scores:

West Indies 62 for 2 (Kraigg Brathwaite 32*, Darren Bravo 10; Ishant Sharma 1 for 7) vs India

Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs West Indies, 4th Test match