India vs West Indies 3rd Test Match Prediction

If IND Bat First

Predicted Score: Around 500

They haven't had the need to bat second so far and they may not need to again, given the uninspiring spells from the West Indian bowling attack. Virat Kohli is enjoying the form of his life and there is every chance of him scoring the most runs for India in the third test. Rahane applied himself and remained unbeaten on 108 while Rahul hit the third ton of his career in only his sixth test match. If these three continue to keep up their good work, India should definitely cross the 500 mark with decent contributions from Dhawan and Pujara.

West Indies might open their bowling with Gabriel and Holder. Both will be short on confidence and the Indian batsmen will try to make the most of this. Spin has produced better results for the home team and the leg spin of Bishoo will be relied upon heavily. Offspinner Chase picked up a five-for in the last match and the visitors will have to come up with a strategy for playing him. West Indies will want their fast bowlers to up their game if they are to keep India within a reasonable total.

WI vs IND Head-to-Head Record

In the last 15 tests between the two teams on Caribbean soil, West Indies have two wins and India have four with the remaining nine all ending in draw. Their only match-up at Gros Islet was played back in 2006 which also resulted in a draw despite India putting up 588 in the first innings and forcing the hosts to follow-on thereafter.

Our Prediction

Taking a look at the results of the previous test matches played at Gros Islet and considering the weather forecast for this match, the possibilty of a draw seems highly likely. Three of the four tests here have ended up being drawn which includes the India-West Indies drawn match in 2006. Rain has been predicted for the second and third day of play which means substantial amount of time could be lost. Moreover, drawing the last test would have surely injected some self-belief into this young West Indian side.

West Indies too bat deep and their fighting efforts in the last match makes us feel that a draw could very well be on the cards. So we predict the hosts to draw the third test and keep the series alive.