India pressed their dominance in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, but West Indies found a late lifeline through a determined partnership between John Campbell and Shai Hope. India had enforced the follow-on after dismissing the tourists for 248 in their first innings, and by stumps on Day 3 the Windies were 173 for 2, still trailing by 97 but now firmly in survival mode.
India’s first innings command
India had earlier declared their first innings on a formidable 518 for 5, courtesy of commanding contributions from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and others. Their bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav (5-82) and Ravindra Jadeja (3-46), dismantled the West Indies line-up to enforce the follow-on.
West Indies’ first innings collapse—including early dismissals and lapses in the middle order—had left them with a daunting deficit of 270 runs.
The rescue act: Campbell and Hope
Facing the prospect of a second innings defeat in the series, West Indies needed a resolute rearguard effort. Campbell and Hope delivered. The pair constructed an unbroken 138-run partnership, showcasing patience, shot selection, and the ability to fend off India’s spin attack.
Campbell was unbeaten on 87 from 145 balls, while Hope supported ably with 66 not out off 103 deliveries. Their stand frustrated bowlers, drawing in defensive fields and reducing wicket-taking options.
Campbell survived multiple appeals and reviews—his composure under pressure was a hallmark of the innings. Meanwhile, Hope’s fifty was his first in Test cricket in over six years, adding personal significance to an already crucial innings.
Their recovery came after early losses—Tagenarine Chanderpaul fell to Siraj, and Athanaze was removed just before tea by Washington Sundar. Despite the pitch behaving less deteriorated than expected, their disciplined batting forced India to fight for every wicket.
What remains and implications
By stumps on Day 3, West Indies still trailed by 97 runs, meaning India would need just that margin to wrap up an innings victory—unless the visitors could play out Day 4 and extend the game.
the decision to enforce the follow-on seemed justified given their first innings dominance. But the recovery from the West Indies pair showed that enforcing a quick finish was not without risk. Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate later admitted the pitch had not turned as sharply as expected, making strikes harder to come by in the afternoon session.
For West Indies, the innings has salvaged some pride and drawn attention to Campbell and Hope’s capacities to anchor under pressure. While the result may still tilt heavily toward India, the visitors have at least avoided an instant defeat and secured a more meaningful fight into the final day.
