When did a Test match in India last reach day 5?

India moved closer to a clean sweep after reaching 63/1 on Day 4 of the second Test against West Indies, needing only 58 more runs to win. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 25, while Sai Sudharsan looked composed with 30 runs off 47 deliveries, striking five boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a magnificent 175 in the first innings, was dismissed early for eight as India chased a modest 121-run target.

Although the umpires had the option to extend play by 30 minutes, India’s strong position meant it wasn’t necessary. The hosts appeared in full control, showcasing disciplined batting and confidence throughout their short second-innings effort.

Earlier, West Indies put up a gritty fight in their second innings. Shai Hope ended his eight-year wait for a Test hundred, while John Campbell registered his maiden century. A resilient 79-run partnership for the final wicket between Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales forced the match into the final day.

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When did a Test match in India last reach the fifth day?

Five-day Test matches have become increasingly uncommon in India, where home conditions often produce results within four days. The last Test in India to stretch into the fifth day was the series opener against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024.

That match began with rain washing out the first day, and India collapsing for just 46 runs in their first innings. New Zealand replied strongly, posting 402, led by Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding 134 off 157 balls. His remarkable effort helped the visitors secure an eight-wicket victory, earning him the Player of the Match award for his brilliant all-round performance.

West Indies’s Fighting Comeback in 2nd Innings:

West Indies managed 248 runs in their first innings in response to India’s commanding 518/5 declared, conceding a 270-run lead. Determined to fight back, they showed much-improved resistance in their second innings, led by openers John Campbell and Shai Hope.

In the morning session, Campbell, whose previous best was 68 against New Zealand in 2020, batted fluently alongside Hope as the pair stitched together a 177-run stand. Their partnership narrowed India’s lead to just 18 by lunch. However, Campbell was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja before the break, and Mohammed Siraj dismissed Hope for a well-made 103 soon after, triggering a middle-order collapse. Kuldeep Yadav then tore through the lower order, removing Tevin Imlach, Roston Chase, and Khary Pierre in quick succession.

By tea, West Indies had reached 361/9 after a 30-minute extension. Justin Greaves (50) and Jayden Seales (32) offered late resistance, but Jasprit Bumrah (3/44) ended the innings, wrapping up another fine bowling performance for India.

This marked just the fourth occasion since 1961 that India were required to bat again in a Test match after enforcing the follow-on, highlighting the resilience shown by the West Indies in their second innings despite trailing heavily.