West Indies spinner Khary Pierre expressed surprise at India’s decision to enforce the follow-on during day three of the second and final Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, while praising his team’s counterattacking response. After being bowled out for 248 in their first innings and trailing by 270 runs, West Indies showed resilience with opener John Campbell scoring an unbeaten 87 and Shai Hope reaching 66 not out in a 138-run partnership.The West Indies ended day three at 173/2, needing 97 more runs to make India bat again in their second innings.“Actually, it was a bit surprising that they went back to bowl, although I know the wicket was still a good one. For me personally, batting on the wicket for a lot of time, watching the wicket, and seeing what it’s doing, I think the wicket is still a very good wicket, as I said before,” Pierre told reporters.“I was surprised, but, it’s India, and they wanted to get the winner, and probably they didn’t think that they need to go back to bat. But, so be it, and I don’t think we take a big challenge of going to bat, and we have to bat properly this innings, and try to make a game out of it,” he added.Pierre credited the team’s emphasis on application and praised the lower order’s fight in the first innings, where he contributed 23 runs off 46 balls and shared a 46-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Anderson Philip.“It has been a challenge. If you watch the wicket, it’s still a good one, but the odd ball is spinning. For me, personally, I think the wicket is challenging also. The Indian batsmen have also played well to their conditions; they have batted well. It has been tough for me personally, but I think it’s a learning process for me. This is only my second test match, so you know, I’m taking it all into account,” he added.“Application is what we preached in the dressing room, (Daren) Sammy (head coach) and the coaching staff and all, they preached in the dressing room, taking it one session at a time. This is the first time we have been able to win a session in the two Test matches so far.”Playing in just his second Test match, Pierre acknowledged the experience has been a significant learning opportunity.“I’ve learnt a lot. This is Test match cricket, it’s going to be challenging and tough; the conditions are also challenging. But I’ve learnt that the things I need to do, coming into Test cricket, the variations, getting more purchase off the ball and stuff like that,” he explained.Pierre expressed confidence in the platform established by Campbell and Hope heading into day four.“A lot of confidence, I think the two batsmen have laid a platform for us. This is Test match cricket, we’re going to get this before they deteriorate more, so the more runs we can pile on, it can be a challenge for the Indian batsmen,” he stated.“I think the wicket is still a good one, with the odd ball spinning a little bit somewhat. So, it’s still a good wicket to bat, so, all in all, I think in the Test match, it’s all about batting as low as possible to try and get that wear and tear, to even get more slow. So, it’s still a good wicket, I would say, as of now, but once we continue to bat, going on to the last session in the fourth day, and into the fifth day, I think it’s going to deteriorate a lot, and as I said, stay low and spin a little more.“Pierre commended Campbell’s performance, noting it was a deserved reward for his hard work despite an unfortunate dismissal in the first innings.“John has been batting well. He had some dismissals that didn’t go his way, and as you see his dismissal in the first innings, that was a really tough one to swallow,” Pierre commented.The spinner emphasized the team’s batting strategy moving forward.“It’s just about continuing, and the thing is, on these wickets, once you get a start, you have to score big, and that’s the objective. That’s what we’re trying to preach… try and cash in for the team,” Pierre concluded.
