New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip have thwarted India's attempts with a notable 42-run partnership for the ninth wicket. India showcased their dominance by claiming four wickets during the morning session, leaving the West Indies at 217/8 in 72 overs by lunchtime on the third day of the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

With the West Indies trailing by 301 runs, the upcoming second session promises to be intriguing, especially as the second new ball will be available in just eight overs.

On a pitch that has been slow and turning, Kuldeep Yadav stood out by taking three of the four wickets that fell in the morning session, finishing with impressive figures of 4-72. His skillful variations and control dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, making India ponder an early end to the match by enforcing a follow-on.

However, the resilient ninth-wicket partnership between Pierre and Phillip, both not out on 19, provided some resistance for the visitors. The pair accumulated 42 runs from 93 balls, frustrating India as they strive for a 2-0 series victory.

The day commenced with overnight batters Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach appearing settled for about 30 minutes against Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah, until the former's remarkable spell began. Bowling from the North End, Kuldeep got drift on a well-flighted delivery, beating Hope’s forward defence and disturbing the off-stump.

In his subsequent over, Kuldeep ended Imlach’s resistance with a delivery that turned sharply, trapping the wicketkeeper-batter lbw. Although Justin Greaves managed to keep the scoreboard moving with two boundaries, he too fell to Kuldeep while attempting a reverse-sweep, which resulted in him being trapped lbw by a beautifully executed leg-break.

Mohammed Siraj became the first fast bowler to claim a wicket in this match, as Jomel Warrican attempted to play a full ball outside off-stump, only to chop it onto his stumps. At 175/8, it seemed an early end to the West Indies innings was imminent, until Pierre and Phillip mounted a solid counter-attack.

As the ball softened, the duo focused on solid defending and managed to score a few boundaries over the course of 15.3 overs before the lunch break was called. One must ponder whether the resistance displayed by Pierre and Phillip will influence India’s decision regarding the follow-on option in the second session.

Brief Scores: India 518/5 in 134.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175; Jomel Warrican 3-98) lead West Indies 217/8 in 72 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Shai Hope 36; Kuldeep Yadav 4-72, Ravindra Jadeja 3-46) by 301 runs