The hosts ended their second innings at 223/6 from 86 overs after resuming their second innings at 26/1, when play was called off in the final session.
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The wicket didn’t quite have the effect the Indians hoped, with Blackwood finding an able partner in Montcin Hodge.
Leon Johnson (17) started the second innings for the WICB President’s XI with three boundaries in his brief 27-ball stay, but Ashwin (1-14) had the better of him after taking a return catch in the final ball of the day.
India are touring West Indies for four Tests, with the first match being scheduled in Antigua. But, Campbell upped the ante against Ravindra Jadeja and smashed him for two sixes to signal his attacking intent. He was on the mark with his line and length, just as in the first innings and troubled the batsmen. As such, he struggled with the cross wind across the stadium, and was taken for runs by the two batsmen. Then in reply, the visitors scored 364 with a first innings lead of 184 – thanks to the fifties from Rahul, Kohli and Jadeja. And it paid immediate dividends as Jadeja got his man, with Campbell caught at mid-on by Lokesh Rahul.
At the other end, Kohli too was nearly caught when he tried to flick the ball past the short-midwicket fielder. But Shai Hope (17) and Jermaine Blackwood (20 batting) defied him for almost five overs. However, Blackwood, who is part of West Indies’ Test squad for the India series, and Vishaul Singh expelled the Indians’ hopes of a win with a 62-run fourth-wicket partnership off 31 overs. The home side were clearly playing for the draw and their tactics forced captain Virat Kohli to bring in Stuart Binny and Murali Vijay.
The drab proceedings had little by way of cheer, except the odd wickets that fell.
Early on, there was a moment of hesitation from Rahul as he sent back Kohli after he had set off.
Ashwin returned for another spell and engaged Blackwood in an interesting duel.
Cheshwar Pujara (28) too was dismissed in the final over of the day while trying to turn one onto the leg-side.
Rahkeem Cornwall was the other batsman who impressed, remaining unbeaten on 35 (45b, 6×4, 1×6).
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Just when, WICB President’s XI had an opportunity to wrap-up the Indian innings, Jadeja (56) and Ravichandran Ashwin (26) stretched the total to 364 with support from Amit Mishra (10 not out).
